Bubbles.org. What did we do without the internet? According to the cited location – Bubbles, being a phenomenon of nature, have always been around, but the sport of playing with bubbles didn’t really exist before soap. The Pear Soap Company in England was responsible for the 19th century popularization of both soap and bubble blowing. Bubble toys were largely limited to bubble pipes until the middle of the 20th century. The picture of my family demonstrates that everyone loves bubbles. The kids had a spectacular time on Saturday with the bubble blasters – they light up and a battery powered fan produces a lot of perfectly formed floating spheres. On this day, Maci, Hank and Liv benefited from a cool damp yard when the bubbles stayed on the ground after they fell. They could pop them in air or stomp on them where they landed. Maci’s face tells the tale and the adults watched and participated until the rain drew us back inside. I still recall, and have in my yard, the old bubble machine which involved dunking the wand in the bottle and gently blowing a few bubbles at a time. Technology has moved us forward. Everyone wants to know how my retirement is going – I recommend exposure to kids and bubbles as an exceptional way to de-stress your day.
The wearing of the poppies in honor of Americans who have died at war is traditionally done on Memorial Day, not Veterans Day. The practice of poppy wearing gets its origin from the World War I poem “In Flanders Fields”, written in 1915 by John McCrae according to the office of Public Affairs of the Veterans Administration. There is a fascinating story about how the red field poppy came to be known as an internationally recognized symbol of Remembrance. The devastation of the fields from the war across Belgium, France and Gallipoli were sharply contrasted in 1915, and a few years beyond, by the vivid red flower of the poppy. In the spring of 1915, warm weather returned to the ravaged countryside following a very cold winter. The poppy is an annual plant which flowers each year. Its seeds are disseminated on the wind and can lie dormant in the ground for a long time. When the ground was disturbed by the battles, it prompted new growth of the poppies. Two innovative women promoted the name “Memorial Flower” as a means to raise funds to support those in need – especially servicemen, their families, and others suffering from physical and mental hardship as a result of war.
Tom Linville was my corporate attorney when I moved to Boise in 1986. Tom was a fine athlete in his youth and it seems like his son Charlie was given the natural talent, determination, and focus to excel in his own right. Charlie was born in Boise, graduated from Boise High and rather than following his father into a legal career – he wanted to serve his country. Charlie joined the United States Marine Corp, survived and thrived at boot camp and went on to distinguished and decorated career. Charlie served in Iraq and was leading a team in Afghanistan when he was severely injured by an IED type explosive. Charlie has a long battle to regain his health and has coped with the many physical and traumatic injuries including the loss of his right foot. Fast forward from 2011 to today, when many of you are reading about Charlie succeeding on his third attempt to summit Mount Everest. Charlie is a great spokesman for The Heroes Project. The Heroes Project provides climbing opportunities for wounded marines, soldiers and veterans. They provide Hope as they work to encourage and expand community service programs to support our nation’s heroes. Finally, they provide a necessary and strong voice for our heroes related to all of the issues they face. No red poppies for the Heroes, but we must remember the ongoing sacrifices they make.
Finally, I have not reported on the progress being made by my brother Jeff in the St. Luke’s Elks Rehab care. Jeff survived a series of cranial surgeries after a fall and is making incredible progress with his speech, occupational and physical therapy. Jeff is now walking with assistance and on June 1 will complete his inpatient stay. Thanks to the great staff at Luke’s, his amazing wife Trish, daughter Molly and family and to all of you who have inquired about his progress. Jeff’s team meets each week and one of the things they highlight in his journey is his sense of humor. When asked by a new nurse where his brain flap was when she poked his side (they usually put them inside the patient but Jeff’s is in a refrigerator in Pocatello). Jeff quickly responded–“they did not trust me with it”.
Take a deep breath this week and remember those who gave their lives for our country.
Also as we head toward a long weekend here are a few words to ponder… “Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.” Mayo Angelou
And from a comedian of my parent’s era, Milton Berle, “if opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.” Finally, Robert Frost said “the best way out is always through.”
Here is to each of us finding our path.
Mike