What Do You See Outside YOUR Open Window Today?

What Do You See Outside YOUR Open Window Today?
Remember: "When God closes a door, He always opens a window!" You never know what might be out there waiting for you!

Sunday, May 25, 2025

Memorial Day Weekend and So Much More

 


John 15:13 KJV
13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Memorial Day weekend always brings a lot of mixed emotions for me.  Of course we think about those who gave their lives in service to our country...those who sacrificed everything so that we can live in freedom.  We don't ever want to forget them...or their loved ones who also made a huge sacrifice.  I also think of those who may have come back home from war, but they were never the same. So many suffer from PTSD, battle scars and wounds that we may not be able to see on the surface, but they carry them with them deep inside and their lives are forever changed. And then of course those who have physical wounds that have altered their lives significantly as well.  Yes, we honor and remember them, and pray for them and their loved ones who must  also deal with the changes in their beloved that affects their whole lives and relationships.  May we pause to remember them all, and do our part to live in such a way that is worthy of their sacrifices. Living here in our country is a privilege and a blessing that we should never take for granted. Our world is so full of strife and volatility...and if it weren't for those on the front lines making these sacrifices for us, we would not be able to continue to live in such peace and comfort.  

Of course, Memorial Day Weekend also signals the beginning of "summertime" here in America...maybe not literally the Summer Solstice, which isn't until June 21st, but it seems to be the unofficicial kick off for summer vacations and activities.  In many places school is already out or soon will be, and people are ready to head to the beaches, lakes, parks, picnic grounds and all other outdoor activities. We took a ride yesterday morning to go see where our son was set up with his products for a flea market.  The community where he was is also a kind of outdoor activity destination in the Ocala National Forest. There are lakes and springs and a river and campgrounds and woods.  The boats were lined up at the  boat ramps and people were very anxious to get out on the water and enjoy a beautiful sunny day. Cars were lined up at the entrance to the Springs (Salt Springs State Park) for about a mile, waiting for them to open the gates. 

These pictures were taken actually on our way back home, across the big bridge in Eureka, FL., which was built originally to be a part of the Cross Florida Barge Canal, but that project was scrapped in the 1960's.  

Up Up and away!

At the top of the bridge...
Going back down the other side...

Blast from the past, this is me back in 2012, standing under that bridge...
This is what I wrote on Facebook with this picture (below) back in 2012: "You have to come see this very high long bridge out in the middle of nowhere to believe it. Our tax dollars at work (back in the 1960's) before the Barge Canal was scrapped due to environmental concerns."  Click HERE for the history of this project.


Unfortunately not that many people were as interested in going to the flea market as they were in getting to the water.  So it wasn't a great day for sales for our son, but he didn't do too badly.  Here's a few pictures I took there:

He used to do a lot of signs back when we lived there in the forest and he used to be at this flea market all the time.  I think he's decided to wait and go back in the fall when the snow-birds and weekend campers are there, and when it's a lot cooler.

I love these crosses...

There's usually a vegetable stand there, and I decided to buy a watermelon so we could have it today when "the kids" all came over for lunch...it was a seedless watermelon...and VERY SWEET and DELICIOUS!

Here's my piece!  It REALLY was good!!!  Question, do you put salt on your watermelon? I usually do, and I did today, but honestly, it was so sweet I probably didn't need to.

I didn't take any other pictures of the family here with us today...we were too busy enjoying our grilled hamburgers, hotdogs, baked beans, deviled eggs, corn on the cob, fresh sliced tomatoes and lettuce and onions and then the watermelon for dessert. It was all very good and very special, just being together.

I took this picture a little while ago, as I thought about this day and all that it means to us.

You see, for us, this day holds other special memories.  Today, May 25th, 2025, is the 11th anniversary of the passing of our son Matthew from this life into heaven.  So you see why Memorial Day weekend holds a lot of emotion and memories for us.

I know these pictures aren't very clear, but this is on the counter top of the island in our kitchen, and I keep these photos there to remind me of our son in his happier, healthier days, before he was struck with cancer in 2010, and fought it bravely and valiantly for 4 years before Jesus called him home in 2014.


And this photo is on our refrigerator door...this is the last "family portrait" of Matthew and his wife Nicole and their son Noah, taken in the spring of 2014 when they were down here in Florida for a vacation and to celebrate Matthew's 41st birthday with us and all the family. They spent a few days together at the beach before heading back to Maine.  Three months later his battle with cancer was over and he was in heaven, totally healed and never to suffer any more pain.

So yes, Memorial Day weekend has a special significance for us.  

I saw this quote from Martin Luther on the little devotional calendar yesterday, and it spoke to my heart:

Yes, that is so true...the "things" we have held in our hands that are temporal; houses, land, personal "treasures", those are all gone when we leave this world.  But our loved ones, especially our children...they never really belonged to us...they are a gift to us from God...on "loan" from God for us to nurture, love, cherish and teach them to love and believe in God, but if and when God says it is time for them to come "home" to be with Him in Heaven, we have no choice but to let them go.  They belong to Him, not us.  But the good news is, because we have done our part to place our children in God's hands when we dedicate them to the Lord, we know that He will receive them back with love and tenderest care, and someday we will all be reunited in Heaven for eternity.  That is the believer's great hope and prayer. 

That's why this verse in Proverbs 22:6 is so important for every parent to know and believe...

Even if our child should wander away and go his own way for a time, I truly believe that if we have done our part as parents in teaching them about the love of Jesus, when that child is older he will come back to those "roots" that were planted so long ago.  We personally may not live to see it here on earth, but I truly believe the time will come when that "child" will remember the faith that was taught to him/her as a child, and he will come "home" eventually.  That's why we should never stop praying for our children no matter how old they are or how far away they've roamed.  God hears our prayers, and He knows which children are His, and John 10:28-29 tells us that NO ONE shall ever be able to snatch them out of God's hand...

John 10:27-30 NKJV
 27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 
28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. 
29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. 
30 I and My Father are one.”

I hope this brings some comfort to you today.

Thank you for hanging in there with me through this whole long post.  It's been a difficult day, but a beautiful day, and I am so thankful for all that God has given me. I know that none of that which I have placed in His hands will ever be lost.  Praise God!!

I hope that you and yours will have a peaceful and blessed Memorial Day tomorrow. Remember those who have given so much for our freedom, and perhaps also remember those that you love who have gone on before to their great reward and final rest.  We have so much to look forward to someday!!!
Good Night my friends.



21 comments:

  1. That's quite a bridge!
    Hugs to you today. I enjoyed the pictures of Matthew and the assurance that you will see him again, in heaven!

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  2. Oh Pamela, I know how you feel. But we rejoice because we will see our sons again. Until then, we press on.

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  3. Unfortunately, I so understand about the loss of a son, keeping you in prayer. It is to plum hot to be outside, Benton. (tsk tsk, lolol)

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  4. If Benton ever wants to venture further south, there was a really nice craft fair here, yesterday, and no one had raised beds and signs like his!! No hotel needed, by the way! I really like his Welcome sign. Wish I had a good place to put it. That bridge is really something!! Sending a hug to you as you keep warm memories of your Matthew snug in your heart today (and everyday). We rejoice in the promises of Heaven!! xo

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  5. I hope your Memorial Day is relaxing and easy. Blessings. ❤️

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  6. In our family, military support is very important. I understand how it can be a time of mixed feelings--remembering loss always brings that kind of sadness.
    The bridge is cool--I don't always love going on high, long bridges! lol

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  7. What a bittersweet anniversary, Pam. I'm so touched by that candlelight tablescape.
    Benton's crafts and signs are unlike anything I've seen before. The "Dogs welcome, people by appointment" made me chuckle out loud! I was never a great student of history, so please excuse my question -- what is the meaning of 12 (v. 13) stars on the wooden crosses?
    I hope you and John are enjoying a relaxing day ... perhaps getting some of our rain?

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    1. Wow, what a good question about the stars! I have a feeling there is no significance to them, and I am not sure that they counted them...but I will ask and find out, and maybe suggest that if they do any more 13 stars would have some more depth of meaning for the 13 original colonies. I think the crosses were just intended to be a patriotic symbol to remind us to pray for our nation...at least that's how I took it...or perhaps One Nation under God...but I will ask and see if they intended any particular historical meaning or not. For some one who isn't a "great student of history", per your own quote, I'd say you've raised a very interesting and deep historical question! Re: Rain, we got a little bit last night, none today, and we are SUPPOSED to get rain all this week, but we will wait and see and pray! We sure do need it. And yes, we are just resting today. How about you? Blessings....

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    2. Thank you! I look forward to hearing when you've a chance to talk with Benton. The weather radio tells me there's another big thunderstorm headed our way, so I'm going to shut down the computer now. Blessings!

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    3. Good Morning Myra, I checked with Benton and he said really the stars are just part of the decoration on the cross, and 12 is all there was room for. But the significance of the cross and flag design is to remind us of the great sacrifice Christ made for us as individuals, and also for us as a Christian nation...and that we are "One nation, under God". A reminder also to pray for our nation on these significant patriotic holidays and every day. It can also be a symbol of our faith in God as well as our support of our country. I hope that answers the question! I hope the thunderstorm wasn't too terrible. We are still waiting for more rain...

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  8. Such a bittersweet time for you and the family, Pamela. We can all take comfort in the fact that we will be reunited in heaven one day. As always, Benton's creations are outstanding! Blessings and love to all!

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  9. This is such a beautiful and heartfelt post. So many things to ponder and reflect on. I'm so glad that you were able to be with your kids yesterday and reflect on the love you have for Matthew. Yes, the hope of seeing our loved ones again someday is such a blessing and gives hope even on the rough days.
    We haven't had anything special happening over the weekend, just regular church activities and a trip to the mall and Barnes and Noble with Mandy and Piper. It's nice to have some quiet time before the busy week begins. Lots of family are coming in for Mom's memorial service on Saturday and we'll have air mattress's everywhere!
    I'm sorry Benton didn't do a booming business. His beautiful products would be a great addition to any home. I am constantly getting compliments on the beautiful tray he made me for my birthday. I want to order one of the Easter tombs he made this year too. I'll need to get the information to do that soon.
    Take care my dear friend.
    Blessings and hugs,
    Betsy

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    1. Oh, Betsy, I will keep you in my prayers for the weekend Memorial Service. Praying all will go well with folks traveling, etc., and that the service will be very comforting for you all. Re: the Easter Empty Tomb, send me an email when you are ready to think more about that and I will put you in touch with Benton for more details. Thank you. (((hugs)))

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  10. Beautifully touching
    and healing to the soul.
    Wonderful memories that go down deep.
    (((hugs)))
    Sue

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  11. This is another beautiful post from your pen (computer, I know.... smile). So thoughtful, tender, and full of faith. Truly, it is God's Word that gets us through the toughest of times. This truth has been illustrated to me just about daily since my loss in 2020. I see Scripture in your home, in your writings all the time -- evidence that God's Word is the most effective and constant balm for our spirit.

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  12. This was such a heartfelt and beautiful post! Brought tears to my eyes! I would love to have one of those crafted flag design crosses! May God bless you and comfort you!
    Hugs, Roxy
    I love your Blog...

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  13. This day holds a lot of emotions and especially for you because of Matthew. My love and hugs go out to you.
    I'm glad you mentioned the veterans who came home from war - alive but not totally whole. I've seen two cases of men coming home from Vietnam who were never the same.
    Ben's woodwork is just beautiful. If I ever get down there again and drive, we've got to visit the shop!
    Have a blessed evening.

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  14. Hugs my friend. God is holding your heart. May in all your sadness He give you reason to smile and remember Matthew and the good memories.
    www.rsrue.blogspot.com

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  15. Pam, thank you for this very touching post. I remember very well when Matthew was diagnosed with his cancer and how he fought it so bravely. I hope that Noah is doing well and that he still comes to see you and your husband when he's able.

    I had an uncle who fought in WWII and was severely wounded. He spent a long time in a hospital in Germany before he was released to come back to the States. He was home only a short while and his wife divorced him because, he wasn't the same man she'd married.

    And I lost someone very dear to me in the Vietnam war. So, there are a lot of memories connected with Memorial Day here too. But most of all, I am thankful for those who sacrificed that I have the freedom that I have today. Sadly, I think the holiday has been forgotten regarding its origin and has become a time with the most emphasis on grilling out and such.

    Have a lovely remainder to your week, Pam.

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  16. Your menu sounds delicious and your table looks very patriotic, glad you had a good Memorial Day. Our little town lost young men in Viet Nam, it was so sad and ugly.

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  17. Good idea for your son to wait for the winter visitors, this is a hot time to be out in a flea market. His items are all beautiful and I really like the one with the plant hanging in it as a welcome.
    I know this week end had to be hard, with all the bittersweet memories of your son. I am glad your other 2 sons could be with you and that you had a good week end.
    hugs to the cranes and Blackie and Sunshine.. we had a good Sunday and yesterday pretty much just rested and napped all day.

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