Monday Wake up Call

Monday Wake Up Call: Your Motivation, Inspiration, & Direction for the Week Ahead

This is one of those fun three-day weekends that we all enjoy. It’s the start of summer fun and BBQs as well as a celebration of family and those who fought and gave their lives in service to our country. At the end of the Civil War, May 30 was established as “Decoration Day” – a day to decorate veterans’ graves with flowers. May 30 may have been chosen because flowers would be in bloom throughout the country by that time. There are many stories to celebrate this holiday, but this one really caused me to stop and reflect on the sacrifices that so many make and have made: In 2010, Marine Corporal Juan Dominguez stepped on an IED while serving in Afghanistan. Dominguez was left a triple amputee, losing both legs and one arm. But that didn't stop him from marrying the love of his life, Alexis. To honor the vet, the town of Temecula, CA, donated all the elements of their dream wedding – an estimated $30,000 worth, including the flowers, the venues, the photographer and the food. But the real icing on the cake? Dominguez was able to walk down the aisle with his beautiful bride in a sunset ceremony. “Did I ever think I was going to get to this point?” Dominguez said. “Yes, yes I did. Because nothing’s changed. I'm a little bit shorter. I lost a couple legs and an arm, but my brain's still here, my heart’s still here.” Check out the video of their story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSpOkCKT0oA Something to Think About It would be so easy to be bitter and angry about such a sacrifice, but Dominguez was filled with joy because he was able to walk down the aisle and marry the girl of his dreams. Our soldiers who serve know the risks when they enlist. How can we show our support? Weekly Activity Do something this week to support the military and the men and women who serve. Words of Wisdom “These fallen heroes represent the character of a nation who has a long history of patriotism and honor – and a nation who has fought many battles to keep our country free from threats of terror.” – Michael N. Castle “A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.” – Joseph Campbell “This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.” – Elmer Davis “The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example.” –Benjamin Disraeli “It doesn't take a hero to order men into battle. It takes a hero to be one of those men who goes into battle.” – H. Norman Schwarzkopf