One of my favorite holiday weekends is finally here! (and a bonus – three-day weekend)! Hopefully you can talk your boss into handing out our Freedom Passes to  let you leave work a little early so you can get a jump start on the festivities! 

I come from a family who's full of traditions, and ever since I can remember my grandpa will get up early to blare The Stars and Stripes Forever, every July 4th. Now if you are familiar with this John Philips Sousa classic, you know it just plays on and on! I am sure the neighbors love him for that! Once the music has played, the festivities can begin. The weekend is full of family, friends, food, fireworks and more. 

Today is National Nursing Assistant's Day! A day set aside to celebrate and recognize those who have made it their career to care for the well-being of others. I believe it takes a special person to look outside of themselves and care for others on a daily basis. Nursing Assistants play a large role in their patients' lives, as they often provide as much as 80-90% of the direct care received by residents and clients in long term care facilities.

Finally, the sun is out – and with nicer weather, you know what that means! We are saddled up and headed back out to Equest!  

For those of you who aren't familiar, in 2013 in celebration of our 30-Year Anniversary, and to further our partnership with the Equest Center for Therapeutic Riding, Baudville sponsored the development of a sensory trail. All employees were able to volunteer to develop this trail from the ground up! It's been an amazing and fulfilling experience so far! But we are just getting started. 

A wise man once said "My Fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you – ask what can you do for your country." If you know your American history, you know that was part of John F. Kennedy's famous inaugural address, delivered on January 20, 1961.

When I sat down to compile my thoughts on Memorial Day, I couldn't help but think of the start of summer, not having to work on Monday, boating on the lake, parades and so much more! But then I had to remind myself exactly what this day is about. It is to remember those who have given their lives while in the military. I haven't personally been affected, but I have many friends and relatives who have served or are currently serving in the military, and I can't imagine losing any one of them!