Today Shelly and I took a walk across the street to the Waikiki Park. I am so thankful to God that I have the strength to walk in the park. The trees are all in full blossom, all kinds of beautiful birds are flying around us...I can't help but experience the stark contrast to what seemed at times to be a physical torture contest while I was in the hospital. As we headed down and across the park we were drawn to the Memorial Day Services taking place at the Natatorium, which is the old war memorial building. The Natatorium is connected to the largest salt water pool in the world. I found it a bit ironic, however, because this historical building has been shut down, condemned since 1980 as contaminated, the pool unusable to the public. Yet we were having a memorial service right in front of it. A memorial service that was fully alive, with beautiful hulas, music, a 21 gun salute, and speakers who remembered our military men and woman that gave their lives for our freedom to live this life. Their memories were very much alive in the hearts and minds of their families, friends and a very grateful public. Then I was reminded by the Lord, that what is valuable and important is not always held in the physical beauty of His creation (albeit His creation is indeed beautiful)...but what is even more beautiful, even more important , even more valuable is often held in the hearts and minds of his people. In our memories. After all Jesus set up communion and told us to remember Him and what He has done for us daily "...as often as we meet and break bread together." He knew the power of the memories He had given us. I often mentally recite my life. I go back and start from the beginning recalling everything I can. Shelly thinks I live in the past too much. Perhaps, but I don't want to forget all the wonderful times with my children, with my friends, family, with Shelly. My past, like many of us is filled with some hurts, some really bad decisions, some things I did that I am ashamed of, things others did to me. I have asked God for forgiveness, He says He forgets those things, so I do too. I forgive and forget and I don't bring to mind those things...only the lessons learned from them. I remember every detail of things that were good, pure and lovely...things that I put my heart and soul into...I remember all the words of wisdom and love from parents, friends, coaches,...I remember in great detail the encouragement, the care and compassion...I remember every detail of great trips with my children, great moments with them...great moments with you, wonderful and wondrous times...I remember these things deeply and often and on purpose! I realized, that is what we were really doing today, remembering in depth and great detail the lives of our military men and woman. As all this was going through my mind I remembered many loved ones who have departed before us and of course my heart was flooded with the memory of Joey Johnson's smile, his openness...the way, even as a child, he looked you straight in the eyes as he talked with you...I remembered his creativity and uniqueness and the joy he brought to his mom and dad and his family and friends and even though it hurt I remembered deeply and in great detail. That is what memorial day is all about, to remember our loved ones, those that have given their lives in duty to their country and those that have given their lives...to us as gifts from God. Some for just a short while, but as we remember deeply and in great detail they are alive with us until the day we are together in the Father's house forever. "And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned...and the God of peace will be with you." Phil. 4:8-9

We love you so much,
kit & Shelly