I’m just one of those persons whose emotions –sadness, joy, anger, love-- well up and spill out with tears. For me, researching Memorial Day brought up a mini-deluge as I looked at images of families honoring their lost loved ones.

As a child, it was a happy time going to our small town parade in the morning, waving a flag, going home to a day of family, swimming, hot dogs, hamburgs, potato salad, watermelon and ice tea with friends and family. I had little idea of the gravity, the history and the gratefulness of the occasion. Now I do.

Within our families, what do we teach our children about Memorial Day, about loss and memories, the nature of humans that leads to wars, the goodness in humans that finds solutions to disagreements, about right and wrong, about how and when to draw boundaries in our lives, etc.? We share, depending on the ages of our children.

These two articles offer us information and choices! The History of Memorial Day and Anne Marie John’s 20 Easy Ways to Show Respect on Memorial Day.

Have a memorable weekend, Parmalee

ALL the Summer Camps + Watsonville's Fun Guide with Camps

by Irene van der Zande, Executive Director & Founder Kidpower Teenpower Fullpower

"When my grandma used to buy me new clothes, she would always say, “Wear it in good health!”

I would give her a hug and say, “Thank you, Grandma!”

Then Grandma would warn me, “Please just take care of yourself, Irene Honey!”

I’d smile tolerantly and promise, “Don’t worry. I will!”

I figured that taking care of yourself is simple. Just do stuff that’s good for you. And don’t do stuff that’s bad for you! No problem, right?"

by Kim Komando

Did you know social media is harmful to children? Of course you did. The U.S. surgeon general, Dr. Vivek Murthy, thought we needed another study to confirm it, though. Surprise, surprise, the new report found social media can be damaging to young minds.