TheGiftTag - Gift Ideas for Great Gift Giving

Patriot Day is September 11th and is only a few short days away. For some, it will be just another day like any other, but for others it will be moments of sober reflection on what was put upon them on that day 7 years ago.

The Patriot Day 2008 Proclamation states in part, “On Patriot Day, we cherish the memory of the thousands of innocent victims lost, extend our thoughts and prayers to their families, and honor the heroic men and women who risked and sacrificed their lives so others might survive. ….. Seven years ago, ordinary citizens rose to the challenge, united in prayer, and responded with extraordinary acts of courage, with some giving their lives for the country they loved. On Patriot Day, we remember all those who were taken from us in an instant and seek their lasting memorial in a safer and more hopeful world.”

Our President calls upon the people of the United States to observe Patriot Day with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and remembrance services, to display the flag at half-staff from their homes on that day, and to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. eastern daylight time to honor the innocent Americans and people from around the world who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

If you can, lend a shoulder to someone in need on this day. Then also, no matter how different we all may seem, remember and be thankful for the things that make us alike and uniquely American.

Today is Grandparents Day. I no longer have any living grandparents, but this day is a fitting time to pay tribute to grandparents, those living or to those who have passed on. I read a sweet tribute to Grandma Minnie and wanted to share a link with you. Reading about Grandma Minnie brought back memories of my own two “memaws” and the love they showered on me. Be sure to take a moment and read about her.

If you have grandparents who are still with you, take an extra moment out of your day to make a phone call or make a visit. And, also take time today and throughout the year to share your sense of love and appreciation for your grandparents with your own children. Grandparents will enrich their lives in ways that no one else can.

Sometimes life throws things at us to make us stop and take a breath. Two of my friends are having medical procedures today; one dealing with pancreatic issues that are hopefully not cancer, and the other the loss of a breast to cancer. It’s in moments like these that we not only stop to think of our own mortality, but also how important it is to be surrounded by a circle of support and love through friends and family.

If you’re one of the ‘lucky’ ones for today, first remember to give thanks, and then remember to reach out to those in need around you. Be a friend to someone who needs a friend. Lend a hand of support or a shoulder to cry on. Slow down, take a bit of time and pay it forward now while you can and give a part of yourself to make things better for someone else.

One should read JGoode Design’s blog post for Tuesdays Topic this week. It is about encouragement. Not just about saying, “Atta Boy,” but she defines what true encouragement is and what it is to really be there for someone. It is one thing to pat someone on the back but quite another to be a good enough friend to say the things they may not want to hear. Being able to be that honest with someone is the mark of true friendship.

If you’re in need of some encouragement yourself, or finding it difficult to really get in the trenches with a friend who is needing someone to stand by them, visit JGoode’s blog and read her post Encouragement. Chances are you’ll redefine what encouragement is.

Today is Friendship Day and it is nearing the end of the day. Did you remember to do or say a little something special to let your friends know how much they are valued? Maybe of word of thanks for just being there for you. Did you let them know how much you appreciate them every day?

If you haven’t yet, it is not too late to give a quick call and make a friend feel extra special.