Special mothers I know ...
Proverbs 31 comes to my mind when I consider these very special mothers. "Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies." And so it is with these three ladies.
The first, Blanche Bonar, my grandmother, who exemplified the virtues described in Proverbs 31 in every detail ~ kind, gracious, industrious, generous, responsible, honorable, dependable. I miss her. Oh, to be like her!
The second, Twila Bonar Mathias, my mother, who continued the legacy set for her by her mother. She continues the exibit the Christian virtues of her mother. Her latest project is procuring musical instruments for the mission school in Honduras so the school band will have more than percussion instruments. I never thought I would ever see my mother scouring pawn shops to find bargains on instruments, but she is diligent in her mission. How can I possibly say "thank you" for all you have done and continue to do for me?
The third, Ashley Pursley Canter, my daughter, who holds her new daughter, Helen, in her arms. Ashley is altogether lovely and has taught me more about being a mother than she will ever know.
You all mean so very much to me.
Memorial Day is set aside to honor those who have died in service to their country. Orignally it was known as decoration day and the graves of the dearly departed were adorned. In recent years, the day has been set aside to honor all military persons ~ living and deceased. In my family, many branches of military service are represented and each generation took his place to secure the freedoms our country enjoys. I take pride in their service and honor them on this special day. 
Left - George O (deceased), 6 years US Navy, World War II. Center - George W, 23 years Ohio Army National Guard, retired. Right - Joseph , 2 years US Army, Korean War. Center seated - Tristan, 2007 - current US Marine Corps, served in Afghanistan. 
Son-in-law, Matthew, 2 years US Army, serving in Iraq. Currently, Wisconsin National Guard. 
Rayford, my grandfather, served during WW I in the US Cavalry. To these in my family, I thank you from the very depths of my heart. You have made sacrifices in your life, endured hardships, lived in fear, set aside your own desires for the common good, felt the lonliness of long separations from those you love ~ you will never be the same. Your country owes you so very much. You stand in the gap to secure freedoms your family and countrymen enjoy, often thougthless of the price. You are American heroes. 
