Summer doesn't officially start until June 21st but don't tell that to the countless folks who will be firing up their Webers this weekend. Our friends from Blacks in Government will be preparing one of their epic feasts (coconut cake, anyone?) for our guests in celebration of the unofficial start of summer.

Much as we love a good BBQ, let's remember the real reason for this holiday. In the flurry of family picnics and blowout appliance sales some have come to think of this as a day to remember any and all who have passed away. But the uniqe purpose of Memorial day is to remember and honor the bravest of the brave - those who died in combat while serving our nation.  

We use a very specific language when talking about war and its consequences because,let's face it, the whole subject makes us uncomfortable. No one likes to talk about death. No one relishes photos of flag-draped coffins or sobbing mothers. But we pay a steep price for waging war. Some of the brave do not return. Their lives are cut short and their families and communities are forever changed by the void left by their passing.  

Life is precious and our time this weekend with family and friends should be joyful. But we would do well to take some time in the midst of our celebrations to remember the men and women who gave their lives in service. It is a sacrifice we should never take for granted. 

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

      Between the crosses, row on row,
   That mark our place; and in the sky
   The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
   Loved and were loved, and now we lie
         In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
   The torch; be yours to hold it high.
   If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
         In Flanders fields.
-Lt. Col. John McCrae




photo credit - Julia Valovich

We've been adopted! The fine folks at UBS Financial Services recently approached us about volunteer opportunities. After a tour of the House and hearing family stories they were sold on becoming partners with us in supporting Fisher House. The relationship began, as so often does this time of year, in the garden. 

If you've been following the VA Puget Sound Fisher House for any amount of time you know about our breath-taking gardens - how they were built by UW students, how an oasis has been created to surround our guests with nature (and mitigate the views of the parking lot), how we grow amazing, organic produce. But what you might not know is that, with gardens wrapping all around the House, we must organize regular work parties to keep the gardens tidy and thriving.  Our Garden Committee was thrilled to schedule some of the UBS employees to weed, dig and plant pansies.  

Thank you, UBS Financial Services, for becoming part of the family.We look forward to a long and vibrant partnership!

Speaking of family....Yolanda has stayed at Fisher House a number of times over the years. Her grandson, Michael, is in the Air Force and brought a couple of his buddies to the House to volunteer alongside the UBS folks.Michael wanted to do something to show his gratitude for the care his family has received.That's Michael with board member Sue Williams (left) and gardener extraordinaire, Evie Kruse. We're grateful to him and his buddies for their service to our nation AND for the time they shared with Fisher House.