Remembering Kindness

November 11 was Remembrance Day. A day to thank those that came before, giving their lives selflessly so we may live ours. Today we wear red poppies to express our support and respect for the armed services and their families.  In the aftermath of WWl nature recovered the battlefields first with grass then thousands of red poppies: a living reminder of the blood shed. Since then the poppy is the symbol of remembrance.

Throughout history the flower is associated with 'eternal sleep'. They were found in King Tutankhaumun's tomb as well as on statues of the 'poppy goddess' who wore a crown of poppies.  It is believed that the Greek gods created the poppy so that its juice would help Demeter, the goddess of agriculture to sleep and to begin healing over the loss of her daughter Persephone.  When she awoke poppies sprang from her footsteps and became her sacred flower.

Today is also world kindness day. A day to take a moment to remember to show kindness to yourself, your friends, family and all those you meet.  Mother Teresa said 'Peace begins with a smile'.  That is all it takes.