1. My friend, Susan, whose dad is dealing with Cancer, brought back memories of my dad who lost his battle in January 2009. My heart goes out to her. We even talked about Dad as we prepared food for my little sister’s baby shower. Little Sophia will join our family in October. Little Phillip is getting bigger and has such a calm personality. Dad would be in awe of these new baby additions. We all miss him during these times which brings a few tears of sadness, but joyful memories.

2. My son had open house this week and I was brought to tears as the principal asked parents and students to stand and say the pledge. As I watched hands placed over hearts and the power behind so many people reciting was overwhelming, since our own president refuses to recite or even place his hand on his heart in honor of our flag, vets, or freedom. It is sad that our kids may live in a country that was once one of the best countries in the world, but will become just another 3rd world country. People flee here for a reason and that is diminishing so fast. Freedom…..tears will come when we lose that.

3. “Then” by Brad Paisley brings me to joyful tears. I never thought I could love my husband more and as he supports and encourages me, I am overwhelmed by how we connect. Our family is so non-traditional with our grown adoptee with boyfriend, step-daughter, and other blessings, so just taking part in that is a wonderful feeling. People say they love each other, but the difference is that we enjoy each other. We crave being near each other. That brings happy tears.

4. Watching our son turn eight this year is bittersweet because no longer a baby, but a little boy. He is doing so many boy things that I want time to just stop so I can live in the moment. We get so busy and I don’t want to miss any of the time we have each day. Brings tears of satisfaction to know that we are engaged with our son and he is a happy, healthy, loved, and sometimes a very spoiled kid.

Wherever you are on the “tear” scale, we wish you both happiness and comfort in times of sadness. Let’s come together as humanitarians. America has always been about taking in people, providing, and humanity…….

DDF