Updated 8:55 p.m.

Today’s entry is dedicated to my two nephews, Kyle and Kevin, who are currently serving in the Army to defend our country. My love to both of you. Thank you for your courage, your sacrifice, your commitment to all that makes this country what it is and will continue to be.

Be safe, Gentlemen. Be safe.

I hope everyone had a good day today. We spent this Memorial day as traditionally as we possibly could, driving to Pennsylvania and sharing wonderful times with our niece and her family, grilling hamburgers, pork chops, vegetables, and other such treats….

I’ll have pictures tomorrow to post here of our family, so be sure to check back.

I am convinced that we don’t spend enough time with the ones we love. One of the reasons why our afternoon was so pleasant is because we were surrounded by family that wanted to be together. Yes, the food was outstanding (Bob, you are indeed a master when it comes multi-task grilling!), but seeing our kids get together with cousins and having fun made the day that much more extraordinary.

I have the honor and pleasure of teaching many siblings, and I remember one slide show a few years back that Meghan showed in our class. It was of her immediate and extended families getting together over the summer for their annual reunion. I remember watching that show and wishing my family were like that. Today, Meghan, I felt like we were the happy people in your slide show. It makes me very happy to see us all getting together, and I know we’ll be seeing a lot of each other over the summer.

I know these are stressful times, but choose to slow down. Choose to love. Choose to cherish the friendship and community that warms your heart. Let all that matters to you consume your life.

And may one of those things be Love.