4th of July Parade in the White Mountains

There is something about the ‘small town feel’ that I love. It’s as if we’re flashed back to the past and that’s exactly what we get each year when we watch the Springerville 4th of July parade. It’s a great start enjoying the holiday commemorating our magnificent country and being together as a Party of Five (plus two…Dad and Pat)!

Veterans' Day 2008

The kids are off today for the holiday and I thought it would be a great time to visually show them the meaning behind their day off, so…off to a Veterans’ Day parade we went (with my cousin Laura and kids joining up with us as well). This was a great decision! I felt so proud to be an American facing the endless rows and miles of soldiers that paraded in some form or fashion down the city streets of Mesa.

Boy Scout troops at one point held flags with photos of Arizonan soldiers that have lost their lives sacrificially. This went on for almost a mile, I’d say. It was very touching!

After the parade some sweet gals from my Brownie troop held a Veterans’ Day ceremony with one other troop at a new senior living center. Again, another touching thing to do…very moving!


What a great, MEANINGFUL day this was!

God bless America!

7 Years Ago...Still Remembering

It almost seems impossible that the attacks on September 11th are now seven years past. I still can remember them vividly. I found out just seconds after swinging the doors open of our home, shouting Happy Birthday to Justin, my dear friend Lara's son. Her face showed no sign of happiness. Then she broke the news. I'm curious where you were when you heard the news, please post it.

I remember repeating Psalms 56:3-4, "When I am afraid, I will put my trust in Thee. In God, whose word I praise, In God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can mere man do to me?"

Please join me in prayer today for the families who lost loved ones. Today is a hard day for our country but nothing comes close to the pain as the ones "left behind" are feeling, I'm sure.

For those that question why this happened...

MEET ME IN THE STAIRWELL

You say you will never forget where you were when you heard the news On September 11, 2001. Neither will I.

I was on the 110th floor in a smoke filled room with a man who called his wife to say 'Good-Bye.' I held his fingers steady as he dialed. I gave him the peace to say, 'Honey, I am not going to make it, but it is OK..I am ready to go.'

I was with his wife when he called as she fed breakfast to their children. I held her up as she tried to understand his words and as she realized he wasn't coming home that night.

I was in the stairwell of the 23rd floor when a woman cried out to Me for help. 'I have been knocking on the door of your heart for 50 years!' I said. 'Of course I will show you the way home - only believe in Me now.'

I was at the base of the building with the Priest ministering to the injured and devastated souls. I took him home to tend to his Flock in Heaven. He heard my voice and answered.

I was on all four of those planes, in every seat, with every prayer. I was with the crew as they were overtaken. I was in the very hearts of the believers there, comforting and assuring them that their faith has saved them.

I was in Texas , Virginia , California , Michigan , Afghanistan ... I was standing next to you when you heard the terrible news. Did you sense Me?

I want you to know that I saw every face. I knew every name - though not all knew Me. Some met Me for the first time on the 86th floor.

Some sought Me with their last breath. Some couldn't hear Me calling to them through the smoke and flames; 'Come to Me... this way... take my hand.' Some chose, for the final time, to ignore Me. But, I was there.

I did not place you in the Tower that day. You may not know why, but I do. However, if you were there in that explosive moment in time, would you have reached for Me?

Sept. 11, 2001, was not the end of the journey for you. But someday your journey will end. And I will be there for you as well. Seek Me now while I may be found. Then, at any moment, you know you are 'ready to go.'

I will be in the stairwell of your final moments.

God

Memorial Day

Today, we salute the soldiers past and present who have protected our country sacrificially. May God bless you all and may God bless America!

Some of our family has been part of that admirable group. I am so thankful and proud of them. (Missing photos of my cousin Kevin and his dad, my Uncle Bill, My Uncle Jan, and Uncle Jerry)


(My brother John Bailey Kovatch, Air Force)

(Jon's dad, Richard Kempiak, Marines)


(Jon's Aunt Dottie and Uncle Al, US Navy)


(Jon's uncle Emil, Marines)







(My cousin Mitch, Army)



(My dad's uncle Danny who died in battle, just after my dad's birth)



(My Uncle Bob, Army)





God Bless The U.S.A.
by Lee Greenwood

If tomorrow all the things were gone,
I’d worked for all my life.
And I had to start again,
with just my children and my wife.

I’d thank my lucky stars,
to be livin here today.
‘Cause the flag still stands for freedom,
and they can’t take that away.

And I’m proud to be an American,
where at least I know I’m free.
And I won't forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.

And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.

From the lakes of Minnesota,
to the hills of Tennessee.
Across the plains of Texas,
From sea to shining sea.

From Detroit down to Houston,
and New York to L.A.
Well there's pride in every American heart,
and it's time we stand and say.

That I’m proud to be an American,
where at least I know I’m free.
And I won't forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.

And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.

And I’m proud to be and American,
where at least I know I’m free.
And I won't forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.

And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.