Memorial Day

Happy Memorial Day! I know I said that June is going to be my AHA month, but I figured what's one extra day, really? And it's Memorial Day, at that, so there is plenty to be appreciative of!

I took my youngest son to the cemetery this afternoon. He's not quite two, so he had a good time trying to step on all the small markers and poking at the flags that were near many of the graves. (And I apologized profusely to the markers' and flags' owners.) It was a meaningful visit for me. My great-grandmother Hart (whom we called GG), great-grandfather Hart (who died when I was two), and my great-uncle Addison Hart are all buried there. Grampa and Addison both served in the Army. Addison was the oldest of three Hart brothers, all of whom served in the military, and was lost over Germany during WWII. I never met Addison, but I've seen a few pictures, and the youngest of the three brothers, my Great-Uncle David, is still alive and has told me some family stories.

So what's all this have to do with AHA? Well, I guess, like so many others, I'm very appreciative to have family members who have served the United States. I'm happy most of them returned, and I accept the loss of those who didn't. I know that I would not willingly join the military (call it selfish, chicken, whatever... I wouldn't have it in me to be able to serve), so I'm very thankful that there are others who do take on that responsibility. I felt that I needed to go visit those three graves today, and although my son is too young to understand why we were there, I was happy to "introduce" him to his ancestors.

Thank you to my family members and all the others who have helped protect the United States. I love you! AHA

AHA Intro

Hi! I am going to make June a month of Acceptance, Happiness and Appreciation. (Hence the title, "Moments of AHA.") Instead of whining about how I'd like things to be or condemning others for the way they are, I am going to accept and appreciate what is before me. Who wants to journey with me?


Acceptance: noun
1. The act of taking or receiving something offered
2. Favorable reception; approval; favor

Happiness: noun
1. The quality or state of being happy
2. Good fortune; pleasure; contentment; joy

Appreciation: noun
1. Gratitude; thankful recognition
2. The act of estimating the qualities of things and giving them their proper value.

I will strive to prevent it from being a boring list of the things that I am AHA about. (Please feel free to let me know if this is the only thing I am accomplishing!) And I do not intend to instruct others how to be AHA. I encourage others to offer their Moments of AHA, regardless of how complicated or mundane they may seem. Goals are always more easily met when you have a network of support and encouragement, so let's do this all together! Let's help each other become more AHA of everything around us!

A bug just landed in the glass of water I was drinking from. I'm happy and appreciative that I am able to get up and walk the 5 feet to the fridge and pour myself another glass of water! On a serious note, I am extremely appreciative for the service that others have given to our country, including my grandfather, Kenton Hart, my great uncles, Addison and David Hart and my father, Tom DeForest. Thanks to all those who help protect our country and the people in it. Enjoy your Memorial Day festivities, take a moment to appreciate, and check in with me throughout the month of June so we can help each other be more AHA!

:) Cheers,
Kate