Davalynn Spencer @davalynnspencer For many people, Memorial Day signals the changing of the seasons. Those of us who can’t wait any longer for summer declare that it’s time to bring out the lawn chairs and barbecue. Who wants to wait another four weeks? We’d rather start thinking about
By Davalynn Spencer @davalynnspencer This post first appeared on Nov. 11, 2019. It appears edited today in honor of JPat Branch, *pictured above, Purple Heart and Distinguished Flying Cross recipient, who reported to his last call of duty on Oct. 29, 2021. When I taught sixth-grade world history,
By Davalynn Spencer @davalynnspencer More than a century ago, the Civil War uprooted dreams, decimated families, and divided the nation. Those who survived were determined to remember the price paid by decorating the graves of their fallen loved ones with flowers and flags on Decoration Day. Gradually, the
By Davalynn Spencer @davalynnspencer “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways,” wrote Elizabeth Barrett Browning. For simplicity’s sake, let’s merely count the kinds of love. Romantic love. Empathetic love. Brotherly love. Unconditional love. Unfailing love. Mature love. Sacrificial love. Endless love – as is the
By Davalynn Spencer @davalynnspencer In the sport of rodeo, the game is never called on account of rain. Well, almost never. The only place I saw a performance canceled due to weather was Drummond, Montana, where standing water mirrored the bucking chutes (above). But there was no cancellation
By Davalynn Spencer @davalynnspencer It is fitting to remember the fallen this Memorial Day. Though they cannot hear our thanks, their families and descendants can. Acknowledging their sacrifice reminds us that none of what we possess or enjoy has been achieved on our own. Others have contributed. May
By Davalynn Spencer @davalynnspencer Memorial Day signals the changing of the seasons and the beginning of summer for many Americans. Who wants to wait another four weeks? We’d rather start thinking about vacations, the end of school, and what to throw on the grill. Here in Colorado