Rustic Strawberry Rhubarb Tart

Memorial Day, a national federal holiday, is this coming Monday.  For many families, having Monday off from work and school may mean a nice 3-day camping vacation or spending time together doing something fun.  For others, Memorial Day is a day of remembrance to honor the brave women and men who died while serving in the US Armed Forces.  

However, with all of the recent tragic events these last few months, from the Boston bombings to this week's devastating tornado impacting the families in the state of Oklahoma, I would like to propose that we all take a moment to reach out to anyone you know of who is in need of a little encouragement. I've always been deeply moved when I read stories of compassion and hope rising in the midst of darkness brought by devastation. It reminds me of how resilient the human spirit can be, especially when united for the common good of humanity. In an increasingly me-first culture, I believe we should take opportunities to put others' needs before us, and try to be beacons of light when circumstances are darkened by tragic or unforeseeable events. It is well intended when we say, our hearts and prayers are with you.  

However, when we take these sentiments one step further and engage with active participation to help someone, we open ourselves up to potentially better someone's life, even if just for a moment.  When people are suffering moments of reprieve can become lifelines that can help people through the darkest moments of their lives. Every day people suffer, but every day can also be an opportunity to walk along with someone who needs to know someone cares. In the spirit of remembering those who sacrificed their lives for us, let us all be moved to serve others who could use some uplifting today.