Let FREEDOM Ring......

I have to say the 4th of July is one of my favored holidays. I love the Patriotic songs, the symbols of our great country. There are those who gripe about the bad things that are happening in our country and I admit there are days when I agree with them. There are days that the outlook is very bleak. But when I stop and think about the good in this country I am astounded at our blessings. The very fact that I am FREE to do or choose what I want is in it of itself the greatest blessing our country offers us. I won't get up on a soap box or anything, I just wanted to share my gratitude for this wonderful country that we live in. If I knew how to add music to my blog I would add, "America the Beautiful", "My Country tis of thee", "Star Spangled Banner". Love them all.

One of the reasons I love July 4th is my grandma was born on this day. One of my favorite stories is how her father changed her name at the last minute to "Gloria" in honor of her b'day. My favorite memory of July 4th is from the year 1994. My g'ma was getting pretty sick and we all knew she probably wouldn't be with us much longer. So, in honor of her b'day our entire family came to Las Vegas to celebrate her b'day. I was pregnant with my first baby, CS and was having a very difficult time. My entire extended family was there and we played games, bar-b-qued, went swimming, and just hung out. It was so fun. Then g'ma got tired and needed to lay down. My mom and Aunts suggested I go take a nap with her since I was feeling kind of sick, too. So, I tucked her in her bed and laid down next to her. I just stared at her and her beautiful face. She had the sweetest smile. She protested a little--she didn't want to miss out on any time she could spend with her family. But after just a minute she fell into a deep sleep. I reached out and grabbed her hand and just caressed her sweet soft skin. Oh, how I love her!!! She died on August 2 so we had her for just a little longer after her big b'day. The last few months of her life it was my pleasure to spend every Saturday with her, so my G'pa could work at the temple and my 2 Aunts could spend time with their families. I wouldn't trade the time I spent with her for anything. We watched "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman and Murder She Wrote" more times than I care to admit. We ate soup and twice baked potatoes every week for lunch. We talked. I would read to her from the Ensign. We would look at family photos. I learned so much from her. And then in the middle of us doing something she would say, "Katie, I need something sweet--there is some ice cream in the freezer." haahaa. So funny. G'ma had a sweet tooth for ice cream--she loved it. We are so blessed to have grandparents. They are our link from the past to the present and shape our future. I am grateful Heavenly Father created how families work. I am so grateful that when it is my time to cross the veil I will not be alone. I will have ancestors and those I knew in this mortal world to meet me. Hold tight to your memories. Sweet remembrances grace my mind this 4th of July. May we all be safe and have a great day. May we always remember those who have died to keep our freedoms. May our prayers be that of verse 4 in "My Country, tis of thee"; Long may our land be bright with freedom's holy light. Protect us by thy might, Great God, our King!"