A historical trip around the back yard

Good Morning! Well, many of you may not know this but it seems that Columbus Day is still a national holiday. Don't get me wrong, I am pretty happy about it. It seems like every year we have fewer and fewer holidays and those that we do have seem to be replaced by something else, I am happy to see that we are sticking to our guns and having a national holiday that actually says something about our country. I remember back to the days when I was growing up and we actually celebrated President's Day and both Washington's and Lincoln's birthdays. To me, those were important. It was another opportunity to remember and reflect back on what was so great about our country. For the kiddos in school, it was yet another opportunity for them to learn about our history and our leaders. I always remember having such a sense of pride and patriotism. It was meaningful. I sometimes wonder if my children are receiving the same perspective.

I am sad those days are gone. I hardly hear about our great leaders anymore and it seems as though we have abandoned our history in favor of something else. Occasionally we do seem to hear about Washington but it seems these days we are more curious as to who he slept with than we are about him fathering our country.

Regardless, for me, I still have Columbus Day and I still have my kiddos at home. It will be an interesting day as the rain appears continuous. Perhaps this is the perfect opportunity to build miniature versions of the Pinta, the Niña, and the Santa María and have the kiddos sail around the back yard. Perhaps, we can even hide treasure around the house and go on a voyage across the dining room to find it. Who knows what will transpire but, of course, the thing I fear the most is mutiny.

I have a long voyage and I am surrounded by a group of lecherous and larcenous deck hands.

You know, it is amazing how our future resembles so much of our past.

This is a good opportunity to reflect on our purpose and our heritage.