The bedroom window overlooking the lake took on a new look recently when huge white blossoms sprang into life on the former stark branches on the tree. Botany was by no means a favorite school subject of mine, so I am unable to provide the name of the tree that produced this most welcome change from the snows of winter to gentle blessings of spring.

I did know that the blossoms would not remain in place too long. I did want to capture the beauty as best as I could and for as long as I could. Such majestic magic should never be ignored. Mary swiftly snapped pictures as though the treasure trove was a rock star. Within a week the tree became pure refreshing green.

Visiting birds soon were zooming in, around and out of the friendly nesting branches and they, too, brought their own splashes of red, yellow, and brown colors to celebrate the wonders of new life.

I am still unable to name the birds other than robin, cardinal and finch. I sadly recall my student days when I confronted my teachers of botany and biology about the low grades they had given me in these courses and was given the kind answer that they were simply feeling generous, while my ignorance remained intact.

I am pleased to report that my failure to put names to the colorful gifts of nature did not curb my appreciation and wonder of their enhancing beauty. There has been no penalty for my lack of knowledge while my heart and mind expands with the sight of each new visit of sparkling gems from the hand of God.

As the calendar turns its pages bringing us to the celebration of Memorial Day, another more solemn burst of color claims our emotions, bringing us to stand at attention as marching bands, lone bugles and crisp salutes draw us to somber reflections beneath the glory of the red, white and blue stars and stripes of our nation’s symbol of a land we love and the home of the brave and the free.

Memories of Memorial Days long past never fail to bring recollections of school boy friends and working companions, who at early ages had eagerly dashed off to war to protect and serve our nation and the cause of peace.

One boy/man never to be forgotten was Tom McCarthy, a fellow delivery boy, two years older than my 14 years. He managed to join the Navy two days after the attack on Pearl Harbor. After an eight-week training course, he was shipped out as a gunner to join the Pacific fleet where he died in the battle of Midway. I don’t know if I ever really stopped crying. I do know that if Tom was ever asked if he would do it again, his answer would be a rapid, “stand aside and let the fighting begin.”

Soon after his heroic death, many others followed. Neighbors of all ages, classmates, teammates, teachers, coaches, acquaintances. It was a long war, and others have followed. A Memorial Day of memories and a salute to all under the pride of our colors, red, white and blue.

More Tips