I have told you how Dad shared stories, from the depression and WW II, with just about anyone who asked.  He wrote many of them down - some of which I will try to share in the time ahead of us.  Meanwhile one of the stories, in connection with Memorial Day, is about his brother George.

Uncle George was shot down, over France before D-Day, and reported as "missing in action."  From the first part of June until the end of August, when Paris was liberated, the family did not know what had happened.  The French Resistance found my uncle, a radio/navigator, and the pilot before the Germans did.  How they kept the two men safe is a story for another day.

The story for today is this story is one our family knows.  AND my aunt, the younger sister, heard from the family - in France - who had helped our Uncle (her oldest brother).  Our aunt stayed in touch with the family for many years.

What stories can you share?  What stories at least make you smile - if not laugh?  

It is hard to believe but we are "officially" starting into summer this weekend.  Memorial Day weekend means a number of things to just about all of us but one thing is that "summer" schedule seems to start.  A lot of us are also able to enjoy the three day weekend BEFORE the summer schedule starts.

Meanwhile it is good to remember WHY we have the holiday.  Dad used to share some wonderful stories - especially how he and mother were married on a three day pass.  We learned our uncle, his older brother, had been shot down over France (before D day) and rescued by the Resistance.  There were a lot of stories they DID NOT share but there were quite a few they did.  Are we asking about the stories?  Are we asking for them to share what they can?  Are we showing the love and support they need TO share the stories?

This weekend is a time to remember that while "all gave some".... "Some Gave ALL."  It is a time to remember, to share, maybe even cry but also to laugh.

"Thou shalt NOT fall" was one of Dad's favorite sayings.  He used to tell people he thought it was the 11th Commandment.  The interesting thing is he didn't start saying this until after I fell cracking my ankle - it wasn't "quite" broken but close enough to require a brace and using a walker.  Dad and I would take turns with the walkers.  The one going to the kitchen, able to bring things back, got the walker with the "seat" on it.

What got me thinking about this is how often in the last couple of weeks I've told people about "not falling!"  It happens pretty regularly depending on where we are.  Where there are uneven sidewalks, unexpected steps or trying to cross uneven ground.  In each case people will ask me "what did you see?"  To which I reply "where I was putting my feet."  I also will share about NOT falling and how Dad started saying it.

And....in case you are wondering.....  Yes, I fell while on my recent vacation.  I glanced up at the wrong time and caught my food on the uneven sidewalk.  The bad news is I fell (with several interesting bruises to show for it).  The good news is I was able to get back up BY MYSELF.   You have to laugh or you will start screaming!

​So.... from personal experience, and following Dad's advice.... "Do NOT fall!!"