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May Day celebrations, summer sports and a salute to the veterans

Brenda Donegan
| Guest columnist

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It's Memorial Day weekend. Many families are gathering for the first big get-together of the summer, while others are attending services at local cemeteries, high school graduations, open houses, and family barbecues.

When someone is cooking outside, I can smell the aroma of hamburgers, hot dogs, brats, steaks, kebabs, ribs, or whatever the main dish of choice is. Sides may include potatoes, macaroni, broccoli or coleslaw with ramen noodles, baked beans, baked corn, deviled eggs, vegetable platters and dips, and a variety of desserts.

As you enjoyed the feast, did you happen to think of a lonely senior citizen in the neighborhood with whom you could share a plate? Years ago, we had a few elderly neighbors with whom we frequently shared. And the amazing thing is that we never missed the spoonful we put on their plate, but witnessed the joy on their faces when we brought it to them.

I still do that a lot today. Last week I made broccoli cheese soup and brownies and took some to an elderly lady about five houses down the street. She couldn't thank me enough for thinking of her. It's the simple things in life that make someone's day special.

A short sermon on summer sports etiquette

Summer youth sports are also in full swing right now, with young children participating in soccer and T-ball for the first time. Most leagues require all kids to have playing time, and in my opinion, that's the best rule ever. Playing sports has so many good qualities – you learn teamwork, discipline from someone other than mom and/or dad, respect, a positive attitude, and it sharpens listening skills. Now if only we could get some parents to learn the same.

Every parent wants their child to be the star, but when you yell at them to do this or that when the coach said otherwise, it confuses the child and, in fact, the whole team. This is one of my biggest pet peeves, especially with the 4-6 year olds who are just learning. I won't say I haven't yelled at my kids when they made a mistake while playing, but I really tried to keep it under control and let the coach handle it.

Many municipal and other public pools, as well as pools on private property, are also opening this weekend. Have you talked to your children about water safety? Do they have properly fitting life jackets or armbands? Have you signed them up for swimming lessons? There is nothing more heartbreaking than hearing about a child stumbling into a pool unsupervised and often being found on the bottom of the pool. It is better to be proactive than reactive.

Enough preaching. Enjoy your holiday weekend, however you spend it, and be safe.

A flyby of the new cars and Honor Flight at Home

Recently, I took my SUV in for routine maintenance and, out of curiosity, I went to the new car section to see what new features the new models offer. Of course, a salesman approached me and asked me to find my perfect car. After he told me his sales pitch, I politely told him that when I bought my current car, I promised myself that it would be my last new one. He laughed and said they hear that story a lot. So far, I've held off, but who doesn't love the smell of a new car?

Have you registered your favorite Korean or Vietnam veteran for the Honor Flight at Home Marion program on June 8 at the Tri-Rivers Career Center? This is specifically for those veterans who have not yet participated in an Honor Flight and are unable to travel to Washington, DC to see their memorials. If not, contact Margie Saul, event coordinator, at [email protected] to register.

My late husband, who served in Korea and two tours in Vietnam, was able to attend the trip in a wheelchair three months before his death and was overwhelmed with emotion when he saw the Vietnam Memorial for the first time. What a wonderful opportunity for those who cannot travel to be honored. Thank you Fred and Margie Saull for all your hard work in making this possible for our veterans each year.

I would like to leave you with this verse from the Bible, known as the Golden Rule, which encourages us to treat others with kindness, respect, compassion and empathy: “Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself.” Luke 6:31

Until next week, take care and be kind.

Brenda Donegan is a former employee of Marion Star. She can be reached at [email protected].

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