Active Awareness-Part II

On By K.L. HaleIn Blog feed

 
“Any nation that does not honor its heroes will not long endure.”

Abraham Lincoln

It’s Veteran’s Day and I’m aware of the sacrifices of countless humans. The absence of a family member(s) who serves constantly lingers in my soul. I’ve not experienced a loss, but I’m aware of the unimaginable pain.

“Yesterday, December 7, 1941 — a date which will live in infamy — the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.”

President Franklin D. Roosevelt

“I hate war as only a soldier who has lived it can, only as one who has seen its brutality, its stupidity.” General Dwight D. Eisenhower

I’m aware that more than a million military personnel died in the US armed forces since the Revolutionary War. There are also over a million people actively serving now. As for those who have or are serving, the number has decreased in the last 30 years. Sadly, many deaths have also been due to accidents, illness, and suicides. Awareness can be agony. It can create authentic appreciation or sadly, apathy. I honor all serving and those who’ve sacrificed through service. Those who served in our deadliest conflict are rapidly decreasing. Can we be aware of and appreciate their selfless sacrifice?

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”

John F. Kennedy

“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.” Ronald Reagan

Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are often stiffened.” Billy Graham

“We few, we Band of Brothers. For he who sheds his blood with me shall be my brother.” William Shakespeare, “Henry V”

“How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes! Maya Angelou

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Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, & fresh air

K.L. Hale

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72 thoughts on “Active Awareness-Part II”

  2. Willie Torres Jr.'s avatar Willie Torres Jr.

    I am deeply moved by your words and the powerful quotes you’ve included. It’s a humbling reminder of the cost of freedom and the bravery of those who have served, often in ways that are beyond our comprehension.

    On this Veterans Day, I want to express my gratitude to all who have served and sacrificed, and my prayers for those still serving, as well as for their families. I am reminded of the biblical call to honor those who protect and serve, and I am thankful for their courage and commitment to preserving the freedoms we often take for granted.

    John 15:13: “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”

    Beautiful Pictures.

    Reply

    1. Willie, your words touch my heart, brother.
      I’m moved by them.

      We do have a call of honor to protect and serve in that manner. Thank you for reminding me of that. Yesterday our sister, Tangie, wrote about an amazing Veteran. I quoted John 15:13. That verse has always resonated with me.

      It’s so good to see you. I pray you and yours are well. I’ve been gone so much, but it’s good to be “home” and surrounded by such great “family” members here at WP.

      Many blessings to you and your precious wife. You are loved!

      Reply

  3. a lovely tribute, Karla: we honoured our Fallen yesterday : still a small number from World War 2 but most from Vietnam; we lost a few, I think, in the Gulf War but there wasn’t a large Aussie presence —

    Reply

    1. Thank you, John. I just researched that, my friend. I wondered about your country’s statistics and those serving, too. It’s always good to see you. Thank you for being here and supporting me!

      Reply

  6. Happy Veteran’s Day!

    As I understand it, the military is having difficulty recruiting people these days, due to the fact that 70% of young Americans are too obese or otherwise not physically fit enough.

    But maybe we can defeat our enemies by sitting on them.

    Reply

    1. Happy Veteran’s Day, Tippy!

      I’m always learning new things from you! Those statistics are new to me; not surprising though. Oh, Tippy, you always have great ideas!

      Reply

  7. So many things we take for granted that we shouldn’t, like our veterans, our active duty military. Joining with you in honoring them. Praying for you too and your healing by God’s Grace, and thank you for your last post making us aware of NETs & NECs and the symptoms to be alert for. It astonished me that it can take five years to get properly diagnosed. Go bless and keep you, dear Karla. Keep pressing on, my friend!

    Reply

    1. Thank you, precious Dora! I’m so thankful for you. I’m glad the posts gave inspiration and information!
      About the 5 years until diagnosis ~ for mine, the surgeon says more like 8-10 years which is why it metastasized so much. It’s often missed. And at times, found due to other issues that need scanned. In my case, a CT scan of my abdomen probably would’ve caught the primary tumor on my pancreas about 8-9 years ago before it grew so huge. It’s a slow growing cancer; yet, once it starts metastasizing, it goes faster. 🙏🏻🙏🏻♥️❤️ thank you again, dear Dora. Much love and prayers to you!💕🙏🏻

      Reply

      1. Oh, Karla! If only! But “Teach us to number our days, O LORD, that we might gain a heart of wisdom.” Our times are in His hands, and knowing those loving hands gives us the wisdom to trust Him through every missed or failed diagnosis and faulty treatment or malpractice, and my family has been put through a few. I know you have found that Jesus is faithful through the suffering, through every step of the journey that leads us to our Father’s home. I rejoice with you in this hard-won wisdom. He is able. He is faithful. His strength is perfect and His grace sufficient. Praise God!!

  9. Karla in Part 1 I had sent info (and I’m sending my sister to your post) about NETs since her husband has for the past 3 years been making the rounds of the gastroenterologists in the area trying to diagnose his issues – unable to eat without pain, weight loss, malabsorption issues, constipation/diarrhea, nausea… the list looks a lot like the one in the post! He even had to swallow a little capsule that was a camera…

    Reply

    1. Oh, Val! I’m happy to know this might be beneficial in investigating all his symptoms! But I hate he’s enduring all of that! When I meet with my support group, the symptoms (and many aspects of this cancer) are addressed. I have a gastroenterologist and endocrinologist included on my care team.
      Please tell him I’ll pray for his symptoms and in finding the underlying cause! ♥️🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 thank you dear friend. Much love to you and Mocchi from Finn and I ♥️🐾

      Reply

      1. Thanks Karla! He’s had so many tests and colonoscopies that he’s exhausted… He’s nearly at the end of his patience. My sister is now being more proactive (she retires in Dec.)…

      2. It’s my blessing. I met with my cancer support group today (via ZOOM) and so many can relate–of all ages and experiences. The tests and times are exhausting! Bless his heart!! And your sister’s too! I’m flying to Maryland on Sunday morning for my follow-up at the National Cancer Institute. I just hung up with my specialist’s assistant as I’m now in another study (this is #5). We talked about advocacy. I’m sitting in rural midwest. My dr has only seen 5 (with my cancer) of us in his 20 year career. He is kind, professional, and his entire staff and nurses are amazing. Yet, this isn’t his expertise. For example, I requested one type of blood draw (she prepared me for how much they’re taking from me 😉 that will indicate how “active” my cancer is….it hasn’t been done here in a year and 1/2 and it’s a crucial marker. It’s not neglect. It’s just lack of knowledge and experience. I can’t imagine what my life would be TODAY had I not researched and found help. It gets tiring, Val. My twin is my caregiver. My sons are grown and have families. My parents have their hands full. I have “guilt” at times (survivor guilt–many of us have it). Yet, God has given me so many reasons to continue fighting. I’ll let him supply the miracles as needed and I’ll let him have all the control–I’ll listen and move as he tells me. No matter what, I’m going be ok. I pray that your BIL finds answers and most importantly, gets relief from pain!! Much love, dear friend. Please tell the prayer warriors how much I appreciate them, too.

      3. I will relay your thanks – but they will only pooh-pooh the need for thanks (they will add prayers for a safe trip)!! Much love to you, Finn and your wonderful sister! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻💞💞

  10. And Part II is a timely call for awareness or mindfulness or whatever people are calling it. I was working today and watching the clock for time points. When I made my schedule I worked in a 10 minute pause at 11:00 AM for a silent reflection and prayer. I honored all veterans who serve(d) – the living and the dead but especially those currently in harm’s way…

    Reply

  11. Thank you for this important reminder and tribute, Karla. I wanted to comment on your last post and tell you I am praying for your dad. For some reason WordPress did not allow me. I hope he is doing well and improving and is aware of the love and prayers surrounding him. Bless you as you continue lifting him up in your own prayers.

    Reply

    1. Russell, I appreciate you so much. I’ve been thinking of you and Joan and praying you’re well. I saw a post in my email from you that I hope to read tomorrow!
      I had comments closed on first part so it was me! Thank you for your prayers. He was able to go home yesterday. I visited them today. A long road ahead…one hour at a time. He’s overcome SO much, a miracle! He knows how loved he is (and my precious mom)! God bless you too, dear friend. 🙏🏻

      Reply

      2. Thank you, Russell!! Amen! He’s weak and has a long road ahead (open heart? perhaps if he gets strong enough; or he may say no, which we will all respect!! He’s been through SO much). But no matter what, God has us all! I appreciate you!

  12. We cannot ignore evil, in whatever form it takes Karla…or we have lost our love forever. May that love, all our love, be that strength to guide us away from it and build that peace we ever seek ❤️

    And to all those who faced that evil, wherever in the world, thank you for guarding loves home. A sacrifice in self and those left behind ❤️

    Thank you for the share kind lady, and those soldiers in your home too ❤️🙏

    Reply

      2. Mark, thank you, dear friend. I know my parents appreciate all the prayers going up on their (and my behalf). I will always pray for you too! Please take care! 🙏❣️🥰

  17. We are so blessed to live in America. Even though it’s not always perfect, we have freedoms provided by a constitution formed by knowledgeable scholars from a couple centuries ago. God bless America and those who serve without thought of consequence.

    Reply

    1. Amen, Mama K! Beautifully said! Please thank Paul for his service. Yesterday several students and I brainstormed all the ways we experience freedom in our lives~in this country! 🇺🇸 God bless you!! Much love ❤️

      Reply

      1. God bless you and your family too. Those students are so blessed to have you to guide them in a time when our patriotism is waning. Thanks for loving them. How’s your dad doing?

      2. Thank you, Mama K. How precious! He is at home now. I was able to visit them yesterday and I know that he will hopefully heal better being there with mom. There’s no place like home. He’ll have a bit of therapy each week. A long road ahead. You and Paul, and your situations, make me think of my parents. I pray for you both as you do for us. You’re so loved. I pray you and Paul are doing the best you can. ❣️🙏❣️

  18. A beautiful tribute to all of our veterans. I love the photos of you and your sons! The quotes are some of my favorite, particularly the Ronald Reagan quote! Sending lots of love and prayers, my friend 🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

    Reply

    1. Thank you sweet Pam. I love and appreciate you so much! Those photos seem so long ago now~ in many ways, different lives! Time flies and I’m so thankful that the best things~like God’s love and presence~never change! I can’t help but think that EVERY soldier must have experience in talking to God at some point in their service. If anything, in Basic Training too. 🇺🇸🇺🇸 please thank your precious Daddy!! What a hero!❤️❤️♥️🙏🏻🙏🏻

      Reply

    1. It’s so precious to see you, dear friend. I appreciate your words and support. We do owe so many; I don’t take that for granted either. I hope you’re doing the best you can. Hugs and love to you both. ❣️

      Reply

  22. I’m glad they finally diagnosed your cancer and you are getting help for this now. The AMA is a very obtuse awkward system. It’s unfortunate that they formed to kick out homeopathic doctors who were healing people, for little money, and closed down their medicial schools and hospitals. The AMA also has suppressed many forms of diagnosis and treatments that are more subtle, non-invasive and successful. Germany is way ahead of the US. But at least you are now getting help. Someday the US will catch up and health care will really become HEALTH CARE world wide. As someone with a lifetime of dealing with this present system and a 40 year holistic healing career I look forward to that shift for all.

    Take care! Much love, katelon

    Reply

    1. Katelon, I appreciate your thoughtful and wise words!
      You brought up such staggering and interesting points. One treatment that I’ve had in my two year battle was first started in Europe over 20 years ago. I understand your words.
      I believe in natural and holistic healing. Thank you for your 40 years of service in that career! (and lifestyle!). Take care and much love to you too, my friend. I appreciate you!

      Reply

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