relatives | M. E. Murray

Dear Readers, I find it difficult to write about my feelings regarding this important date in history, particularly this year. It could be due to the fact that we have lost many friends and relatives to Covid-19. In addition, many members of our military have given up the ultimate sacrifice to protect our country, years ago and recently; therefore, I think that veterans should be honored, not only today but every day.

My oldest brother an army veteran passed away in 2016, and probably fought in the Vietnam War. My husband an army veteran also served our country during the Vietnam War. I consider myself very lucky because my husband survived Vietnam. Two days ago, we celebrated our 50^th wedding anniversary. My husband’s brother, David was a Marine. He was a kind person and truly cared for his family. Unfortunately, cancer took him away from us too soon. I truly miss him and my brothers. My younger brother was not able to enlist in the Vietnam War because a foot deformity kept him from joining the Army. He passed away August of last year, and I truly miss him. Whenever we chatted, we resembled a pair of comedians performing a comedy sketch. It is difficult to live without recalling those times that made our insides hurt from laughing.

I can’t keep the tears from flowing when I recall losing loved ones. People who have not experienced the loss of a beloved family member or friend in a war might have difficulty figuring out why some of us get emotional and teary-eyed when our country sets days aside to honor our deceased and surviving veterans. This Memorial Day, I truly wish folks, who have lost a loved one in a war or to an illness, a pleasant day full of precious, positive memories.

Let a smile be your umbrella — **A Goodwill Wish from two lovable Mice**

Three days ago I learned that one of my entomology colleagues passed away. His passing saddened me but life happens. We get involved with looking for jobs and creating a family. Now we face a COVID-19 pandemic and very trying times.

I’ve had this mouse placard for a long time. I realize that it’s difficult to smile when things aren’t going your way. It’s hard to smile when you’re wearing a face mask,too, but if you can, try smiling at your family: children, spouse, and pets. Smile even if something upset you on any given day. And by all means, smile at our First Responders and generous volunteers. Thank them for their excellent service during this pandemic.

Today, I’ve been trying to find a doctor, who takes Medicaid, for my sister. I failed miserably. Fortunately, the folks that I talked to were in fabulous moods.Nevertheless, by late afternoon, I was exhausted. When a kind receptionist told me that my requests were not available, I laughed uncontrollably. You see, I get real simple when I’m tired, but my unrestrained laughter helped the receptionist. She’d also had a rough day and told me that my cheerful attitude had made her day.Her comment made me feel so good!

I hope the kind words displayed in my placard will comfort folks, and will also reach friends and relatives so I will know that they all right.