Janet's Blog

For many people, Memorial Day is just a day for family gatherings or camping, or maybe a free day to catch up with yard work. Some people make the rounds of area cemeteries where loved ones have been laid to rest. Others may attend a special Memorial Day Observance to remember all US military members who have fallen in battle. I've done all of these, at one time or another. This Memorial Day will be different for me, though, because my Dad's death and burial are still very recent. When she was presented with the American flag at the end of Dad's graveside service on May 5th, Mom thanked the officer.   Dad was an Army veteran, stationed mostly at Fort Benning, Georgia, during the Korean War. He was active in his local American Legion, even serving as commander at one time. He always participated in the Memorial Day service at the Fairbury Cemetery. Not too many years ago, we were privileged to attend a Memorial Day service in Fairbury. Dad took part in Fairbury's Memoria...

It's May, and graduates across much of the US are throwing their caps into the air in anticipation of something new in their lives. Graduation signifies an end-- the end of one chapter in someone's life. Often, though, graduation is referred to as "commencement," which seems more fitting to me, since commencement signals a new beginning. Just a few days ago, six-year-old Lydia graduated from preschool. Covid protocols had made it difficult for Lydia to attend preschool the previous year, so she and little brother, Ari, attended Faith Lutheran Preschool together this year, even though Lydia was completing Kindergarten in her homeschool curriculum. Now, she is more than ready to begin first grade. Lydia will miss her preschool teachers. I thank my God in all my remembrance of you... Philippians 1:3 You can click here to see and hear Lydia's graduation recitation.   Just a week ago, Levi graduated from Gering High School. Levi's school experience was often rocky...