My husband and I went for a run this morning with the girls in the double stroller. Later we talked about how important it is to us to set an example of an active lifestyle. I am the youngest of five and my siblings are all, for the most part, sedentary. Sad, considering my father is a gifted athlete and is in fabulous condition at 79. I don't know what it is that divides the inactive from the active. I know with running, I often have to convince myself to get up and go -- I hate *getting* out there, but I love *being* out there. So if I don't remind myself how happy I am during/after the exercise, I just might talk myself out of doing it. So for those who have never tried, they don't know what they're missing. Maybe? I think a lot of people do not appreciate their physical health. A friend and I were just discussing the other day that when we're feeling sorry for ourselves with all our "burdens and responsibilities" and "financial pressures," we try to remind ourselves that so, so many people live with far more difficult burdens, and under far greater financial strain. (I put our stuff in quotes because really we are both blessed and our troubles are not many). Anyway, I think many able-bodied people do not take time to think of what could happen -- and illness, an injury -- and how they should use their wonderful, beautiful, healthful bodies in a joyous way everyday -- because they can. Gibby, I didn't know you are an amputee. A dear friend of ours lost his leg BK in a motorcycle accident. He is very active with the Challenged Athletes Foundation and is an accomplished triathlete. Are you familiar with that foundation? We just got their newsletter and it is incredible what people can do in the face of adversity -- and makes the sedentary "ablies" even that much harder to understand. Hmmmm.... Amy

Wow....what an amazing list of people.... too many of them no longer with us or active here. It is nice to remember some of their names and their struggles that we shared. Thanks for the memories.

I went into the Navy in 1966 when things were dicey in Viet Nam. I was living in Chicago at the time and the local recruiter asked me where I wanted to go for boot camp in May! I said that Great Lakes would be fine. He questioned my judgement by asking if I knew what the weather would be in May, June and July! He asked me again whether I wanted to go to San Diego for boot camp...pause...yeah, I think that might be the place for me. I ended up being there for several months because I attended special school there, too. Wearing that white hat for all those months had the tops of my ears peeling a lot. The sun shines most days in San Diego. I had worked at a local grocery store before that and the manager told several of us that we would probably go into the service due to the situation overseas. His big advice was to go in with a positive attitude. I did. I had a wonderful four years, even though they sent me all over the place. Never once on a ship, though. I am sure that your grandson will enjoy the Navy and come home with some incredulous stories. It is up to you whether you believe them or not.

I will certainly be more than happy to get cards out to them! When my son was in the Navy, a friend's daughter's elementary school got his address and all the kids sent him Valentines made of thumb prints. Those meant so much to him that he still has them displayed at his home after all these years. Good luck and prayers to all with military sons and daughters.