I Think I See A New Blogger Arising In The Family... I Hope

Common Sense Commentary from our Grandson, John, Mary's son. John is a very successful auditor
with an international company. He has matured into a fine man, is married and has two children. He travels the world auditing his company's computer programs in branch offices. John is just beginning to see the importance in patriotism to a free country. Mrs Blair and I are proud of all our children and grandchildren, the latter of which we have about 70 grand, great and great great grandchildren. John asked me if I "have any suggestions" for spreading his awakening patriotism. Considering his ability with words, I suggested he become a blogger. I am featuring John's email below as today's blog of Common Sense Commentary. I foresee a river of common sense flowing from his heart and mind.

Papa,

Over the last year I took up bicycling.  It started as an attempt to get into better shape and improve my overall health.  Over the year I gradually increased my distance, speed, and frequency of rides.  Routes range from 12 to 48 miles (so far) and required 1-3 hours to complete.  Sometimes Laura or others go with me and sometimes I spend that entire time thinking.  Although I was successful in losing about 15% of my starting weight, dropped my cholesterol, and am on the verge of being blood pressure medication free, I have been surprised by other benefits of my time in the saddle.  One benefit is a renewed awareness of patriotism.

Nearly all of my rides end up out in the country.  Somewhere between Greenville and Spartanburg, I ride along country roads surrounded by corn, cows, tractors, or trees.  Frequently, I notice that homes in the middle of nowhere are flying Old Glory.  Sometimes, I look up, see the Stars and Stripes and it sends shivers down my spine.  Almost without exception, the last 3 miles of my ride is marked by reaching the top of a hill that is particularly long and difficult.  At the top of that hill is a little well-maintained house.  Many of the attributes of that house tell me that it belongs to a retired couple who are patriots.  The flag they fly year round tells me that I am 3 miles from home, that my journey is nearly done, and makes me feel love for the owners of that little house.  I have never met the owners but think often of giving them a Christmas gift or something.  I did see a man in the driveway one day and yelled, "I love your flag!"  He responded with a neighborly wave and I moved on (gotta keep that speed average up).  But the more I pass that house, see that flag, and think about America, the more I feel a responsibility to do something or give something to let people know that their patriotism, there love for my America, is not unnoticed.  

As we look in the rear view mirror, we see an America that was proud.  We see patriots.  Based on everything around us today, we know that patriotism has diminished.  Logic says that it will continue to diminish and I feel a yearning to do something to support and or reward people for their unapologetic display of their patriotism.  So, for the last 6 months or so, I have been thinking about what I can do that will have a real impact.  I have thought about going door to door and passing out gift cards or flyers or something that says, "Thank You for being a Patriot.  Please pass it on."  But so far, I have not been able to come up with something sustainable that I believe would reach people.

So, the reason that I am telling you all this is that I would like to know if you have any ideas or suggestions.

Thanks for listening Papa.

Love, John