"The love of family and the admiration of friends is much more important than wealth and privilege." - Charles Kuralt
Today as we celebrate President’s Day in the US, it is a holiday and not one of the 100 Mondays when I plan to write a full essay. Instead, I’ll share just a few thoughts about Abraham Lincoln and also comment on the holiday they are celebrating today in a number of provinces in Canada.
Today in Ontario, Alberta, and Saskatchewan is Family Day. These three Canadian provinces celebrate this holiday on the third Monday in February and British Columbia celebrates it on the second Monday. I think it is a great idea to set time aside for us to celebrate our families and the wonderful love and closeness so many of us are fortunate to have with these loved ones.
I am also reminded today of how very close friends can become another kind of family when we are lucky enough to find that special bond with them. A number of authors have commented on this and I think Trenton Lee Stewart says it well in his book "The Mysterious Benedict Society” where he writes,"You must remember, family is often born of blood, but it doesn't depend on blood. Nor is it exclusive of friendship. Family members can be your best friends, you know. And best friends, whether or not they are related to you, can be your family.” I’m so glad to have friends like this and very close friendships with my sisters!
Thinking of my family, I was born in Illinois and Abraham Lincoln has always been a hero of mine. As a boy, my bedroom was decorated with pictures, a copy of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, and other reminders of this great man. My sweet mother decorated this room for me and Mom and Dad took our family to Springfield to see Lincoln’s home and other landmarks there.
All my life, I’ve thought of Lincoln as a man who searched his soul to choose what was right, and then found the courage to take that action. I was also drawn to him as I read of his early, and lifelong, devotion to reading and education. From what I’ve read of him, it seems he was both strong and gentle, both practical and wise. I admire Washington, Kennedy, and many others among our presidents. Still, Lincoln is the first one I think of on President’s Day.
I will strive to choose what is right and seek the courage to take that action. I hope to be remembered as a gentle man, and strong enough, especially in the strong love I feel for my family and dear friends.
Today in Ontario, Alberta, and Saskatchewan is Family Day. These three Canadian provinces celebrate this holiday on the third Monday in February and British Columbia celebrates it on the second Monday. I think it is a great idea to set time aside for us to celebrate our families and the wonderful love and closeness so many of us are fortunate to have with these loved ones.
I am also reminded today of how very close friends can become another kind of family when we are lucky enough to find that special bond with them. A number of authors have commented on this and I think Trenton Lee Stewart says it well in his book "The Mysterious Benedict Society” where he writes,"You must remember, family is often born of blood, but it doesn't depend on blood. Nor is it exclusive of friendship. Family members can be your best friends, you know. And best friends, whether or not they are related to you, can be your family.” I’m so glad to have friends like this and very close friendships with my sisters!
Thinking of my family, I was born in Illinois and Abraham Lincoln has always been a hero of mine. As a boy, my bedroom was decorated with pictures, a copy of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, and other reminders of this great man. My sweet mother decorated this room for me and Mom and Dad took our family to Springfield to see Lincoln’s home and other landmarks there.
All my life, I’ve thought of Lincoln as a man who searched his soul to choose what was right, and then found the courage to take that action. I was also drawn to him as I read of his early, and lifelong, devotion to reading and education. From what I’ve read of him, it seems he was both strong and gentle, both practical and wise. I admire Washington, Kennedy, and many others among our presidents. Still, Lincoln is the first one I think of on President’s Day.
I will strive to choose what is right and seek the courage to take that action. I hope to be remembered as a gentle man, and strong enough, especially in the strong love I feel for my family and dear friends.
I can assure you that you will remembered like that.
ReplyDeleteThat's very kind, Jenny. I'll do my best!
DeleteLovely picture though.
ReplyDeleteThank you. They are lovely people!
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