Today is the birthday of "America the Beautiful"

The original poem for the song "America the Beautiful" was written by Katherine Lee Bates on July 22, 1893. She was inspired to write the poem after seeing the beauty of the mountains in Colorado. The song was published two years later on July 4,1895. It is the American national hymn.

At various times in the more than 100 years that have elapsed since the song as we know it was born, particularly during the John F. Kennedy administration, there have been efforts to give "America the Beautiful" legal status either as a national hymn, or as a national anthem equal to, or in place of, "The Star Spangled Banner", but so far this has not succeeded. Proponents prefer "America the Beautiful" for various reasons, saying it is easier to sing, more melodic, and more adaptable to new orchestrations while still remaining as easily recognizable as "The Star-Spangled Banner." Some prefer "America the Beautiful" over "The Star-Spangled Banner" due to the latter's war-oriented imagery.

My favorite version has always been that of Ray Charles singing this hymn. It is on the songlist of this blog, so please take a moment and listen. While at Lackland for John's BMT graduation, this version was played just prior to the Coin Ceremony...it was impossible to hold back Mom tears. While on topic of music, each song on the playlist has special meaning.

Hmmmm... another post in the near future!

John, I do love you so!

Prayers for this sweet baby!

CAYLEE MARIE ANDERSON

This is from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. If you’re a blogger, please consider posting it yourself. The more exposure this gets, the better chance there is of bringing Caylee home safely.

If you have any information or have seen Caylee Marie Anthony, please call

1-800-423-TIPS

Roots and Wings

Fear not...there is no recipe for Sunday Dinner!
Speaking of recipes...Finding the formula to be a commendable parent of an adult child, is my ultimate quest. Ahhh...then take it to a different level... that of being the parent of a child in the military. What to ask about, what you learn and simply reply with a gulp! How to encourage and motivate without sounding as though you have stepped into a time machine, going back fifteen years! YIKES!
Knowing my son is settling well into his new world, feels good. John seems to like Wright-Patt, he is making friends, he has a good sponsor, gets along with his dorm-mates...it's all good! John's core consists of kindness and thoughtfulness, yet he is tough and determined. He has grown to become a man of velvet and steel.
I do believe John has the roots needed in order to fly.
John, I do love you so.

MOTHER AND SON
My son

I am here

I cannot protect you

From the world.

My son

I am here

I can only love you

No matter what

My son

I am here

My love unconditional

On this you can rely

My son

I am here

To guide and to teach you

And now you must fly

My son

I am here

Life can be difficult

I hear your cry

My son

I am here

Changes are painful

Never forget who you are

My son

I am here

Maintain the faith

In yourself and in God

My son

I am here

Self acceptance is yours

Do not fear

My son

I am here

~Rose Falcone

Was it a dream?

Could sixteen days pass so quickly?
How can one heart hurt so deeply and yet be full of so much pride all in the same beat?
John, I do love you so!

Happy Birthday, America!

Our National Banner

O'er the high and o'er the lowly,

Floats that banner bright and holy
In the rays of Freedom's sun,
In the nation's heart embedded,
O'er our Union newly wedded,
One in all, and all in one.

Let that banner wave forever,
May its lustrous stars fade never,
Till the stars shall pale on high;
While there's right the wrong defeating,
While there's hope in true hearts beating,
Truth and freedom shall not die.

As it floated long before us,
Be it ever floating o'er us,
O'er our land from shore to shore;
There are freemen yet to wave it,
Millions who would die to save it,
Wave it, save it, evermore.
by Dexter Smith-July 4, 1876

John's Journey

Good to be home!

Truly, it is the little things in life which meant the most. Being together for birthday celebrations and lunch with my mom...with John around is sweet! It's been a good break for him, hanging out with friends, vegging in front of the tv, downloading music on his MP3... simply being a guy at home. It means so much to share normal life with him. Little things...



Girl Time!









Uncle Carl opening gifts with a helper!









John and Erin sharing time with Pop-Pop!