MEMORIES OF MY MOTHER-IN-LAW

What wonderful memories I have of my deceased mother-in-law, Mame. Today would have been her 111th birthday. I was just seventeen years old when her son, George, married me in Oklahoma City and took me to Illinois to visit his parents. They could not be at the wedding, so it was the first time they had a chance to meet me. I was received with such warmth. Her arms opened wide to embrace and greet me and until she passed away many years later, she always welcomed me with opened arms and love. I have never met anyone that was more loved by everyone than Mame. She loved her children and grandchildren more than anything. Her hobby of cooking was enjoyed by many. She was always being asked to bake for different occasions in the small Illinois town where she lived. My family's favorite food of all that she cooked was the chocolate cupcakes. Absolutely no one could duplicate those delectable cupcakes. It was a treat that all of her children and grandchildren grew to expect whenever they visited. She always baked dozens so we could return home with some. We knew we would not have anything that delicious until our next visit.

My mother-in-law was a homemaker and never worked outside the home. Her home was a real home where everyone gathered around the dining room table for their meals. She never tired of cooking for her family. She married my father-in-law in 1922 and he passed away in 1975 and together they had seven children. My father-in-law owned and was editor of the small town newspaper in which they lived. She did not live life without some burdens. Her first child, a daughter, was mentally challenged and she devoted much of her energy and love to making this daughter become as self-sufficient as possible. Patsy died in 1978. One other daughter and a son (my husband) have since died. If there ever was a mother more deserving of wings in heaven, it would be my loving mother-in-law, Mame.

This has been an exceptionally warm and sunny day here in Oklahoma City. My brother-in-law and sister-in-law from Michigan arrived today for an overnight visit. They are on their way to their winter home in Tucson, AZ. I always enjoy having Ben and Lori and Maggie (their adorable and sweet dog) visit. We have just returned from having dinner at The Olive Garden Restaurant. Earlier today Lori and I went to Remington Park Casino where I did not break my streak of losing. Lori won. There is always a next time for me.

My grandson and his friend from Honduras are in Oklahoma City for their Thanksgiving break from college. They, too, will be spending the night at my house. The more, the merrier!! They went to the Thunder basketball game and saw the great basketball player Shaq. Shaquille did not play tonight due to a hip injury.

I would be remiss if I did not comment that today, November 25th, was the day that President John F. Kennedy was laid to rest in the Arlington Cemetery after having been assassinated in Dallas, TX on November 22, 1963.

Tomorrow I will start my preparations for Thanksgiving dinner. This year we will be having dinner at my son's house and our sweet, generous hostess will be Kelly, my son's fiancee.

Happy Thanksgiving to all who read this posting to my blog.

VETERANS DAY TEARS (MINE)

How can you attend a Veterans Day Ceremony and not become emotional? Today I had the privilege of attending such a ceremony at the 45th Infantry Division Museum in Oklahoma City, OK. Several hundred people attended including veterans from all branches of the Armed Services. It is heartwarming to see these former military men and women of all ages, and from all the wars, standing at attention and saluting or holding their hands over their hearts as the United States of America flag passes by. Grandchildren, children, wives, husbands, widows, and widowers were all there for one purpose and that was to honor their loved ones, many who did not return. This is a day that we all should show our gratitude to these veterans who unselfishly risked their lives for our freedom. I salute all those who served. As the keynote speaker said, "all gave some, some gave all." It was an honor to be among them. Have you thanked a veteran today?

The Master of Ceremonies was Mike Gonzales, Curator of the museum. The Governor's Own 145th Band played all Patriotic songs, the invocation was given by Chaplain (CPT) Jeremy Dunn, and the Veterans Day keynote speaker was Major General M. Wyatt III. Museum volunteers assisted in various capacities.

I have been a volunteer at the museum for several months and I am still in awe of the displays of the artifacts housed in the museum. There is a 15 acre park with all types of equipment used in the various wars. Inside the museum, there are 27,000sq. ft. of artifacts. The museum is the largest state operated military museum in the nation. Visitors come from all over the world to this museum. Last Saturday we had visitors from Brazil, Germany, Holland, and many from the U.S. Visitors return time after time to view these artifacts. My favorite displays are artifacts taken from Hitler's home, bunker, and apartment, the original cartoons done during World War II by Bill Mauldin, who was a member of the 45th, and did cartoons of Willy and Joe,two typical World War II GI's and the Reeves military gun collection. Other displays are too numerous to mention.

The 45th Infantry Division was organized in 1923 and their original insignia was the Swastika, an ancient American Indian symbol of good luck. The symbol became so closely associated with fascist socialism that it had to be abandoned as the insignia of the 45th Infantry Division. In 1939, the Thunderbird design was officially approved by the War Department. The document approving the design, which was to become famous in World War II and the Korean War, stated that the Thunderbird was a Native American symbol signifying "sacred bearer of happiness unlimited." This insignia is proudly worn by many.

Also present at the museum today was a representative from the Freedom Team. More can be learned of this team by logging on to FreedomTeamSalute.com.

Another interesting display to be at the museum for a few days was a Patriotic Quilt display. I have never seen such beautiful and original quilts. You, too, can be part of the quilt tour. The quilts will tour the U.S. for 3 years to blanket America in Hugs for our Soldiers, Stitches of Comfort and promote love of God and Country. See www.HeavenlyPatchwork.com under Patriotic Exhibits for photos, entry forms & under Calendar for scheduled shows.

I am a proud American. God Bless America.