How Much Life?

"The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it."
-Henry David Thoreau

The quote in the blue box resonates with many people because it applies to a myriad of circumstances. This month, we celebrate Mother's Day on May 11. As we honor those who have raised and nurtured us, may we take the time to truly consider the amount of life they exchanged for our well-being. From carrying us within them for 40 weeks to literally and emotionally lifting us for as long as we are fortunate to have them in our lives, having a loving mom to celebrate is a blessing not afforded to all, so we must strive not to take her for granted. And special gratitude to those who choose to mother children they didn't birth — the world is a better place because of your unselfish gifts of love and guidance.

The Thoreau quote also applies to the devotion of our country's active soldiers and veterans, but it's especially applicable to those we will honor on Memorial Day, May 26. The soldiers who died in battle are the ones who gave all — they paid the ultimate price to protect our freedoms and our country's ideals and principles. We hope you will be enlightened by this month's "Military Memories — Stories of the Brave" feature on pages 21-22, which gives small glimpses into the sacrifices some of our local military heroes have made.

But in addition to these examples, we should also pause to consider the things we exchange part of our own lives for. Every Sunday, my smartphone sends a notification that tells me the average number of hours I spend using it each day. I'm never proud of the number it reveals. I could have spent those hours learning to play the piano, volunteering for a worthy cause, or reconnecting with nature, friends, and family. I recently watched a podcast where the host asked his guest, "If I offered you a million dollars to spend on whatever you wanted today, but told you that you wouldn't wake up tomorrow, would you take the money?" I hope that question provides as much perspective for you as it did for me.

Enjoy making wonderful memories this May!