Oklahoma is a unique place on God's green earth.  I was born here, educated here, married and gave birth here.  When Sweet Mister and I lived in assorted spots while he was in the service, it didn't take us long to know that when all was said and done with his obligation to Uncle Sam, we wanted to come home to Oklahoma.  As my sweet KC sings in one of her songs, "And you've never seen a sunset 'til you've seen one from a red dirt road."  I absolutely love this special land and its magnificent people.  

This week many of you are highly aware of the devastating tornado that blasted through Moore, Oklahoma.  Oklahoma is no stranger to tragedy, and it is during these hard times that Oklahomans exhibit the very nature of their character.  When disaster strikes, Oklahomans run toward the disaster, not away from it.  After the 1995, bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, this response from the people of Oklahoma came to be known as The Oklahoma Standard.  The Oklahoma Standard is in action once again. 

 The media covering the aftermath of the tornado have reported that officials have almost been overwhelmed because of too many volunteers showing up to assist the people of Moore.  At times like this, the Oklahoma Blood Bank always has to ask the citizens of Oklahoma to not donate any more blood.  They have more than they can possibly use.  If officials put out a request for work gloves, Gatorade, diapers...you name it...truck loads of the requested items will show up the next day. And on and on it goes.  Oklahoma will come up underneath the citizens of Moore; we will hold them up and be there to lend them a hand as they travel the long, hard road to restoration.  And, yes, Moore will recover.   My heart is about to burst with love for the hard working, humble, beyond generous people of Oklahoma.  These are my people.  Oklahoma is my beloved home.  My Memorial Day table this week is in honor of Oklahoma and its people.

In Oklahoma, we are known for the red clay of our earth and startling blue skies with billowing white clouds that stretch as far as the eye can see.  I've always referred to Oklahomans as "Sky Watchers".  Tidbit:  Did you know that our Grand Lake in the far northeast part of our state is known to be one of the best places in the world to study the Milky Way?  Sitting on a boat in the middle of the lake, late at night, is absolutely spectacular.

...represented in the blue of our state flag.

The pair of metal containers stand strong, side by side...just like Oklahomans stand along side each other in times of joy and in times of trial.  I chose the mixture of herbs to represent my fellow Okies...modest people...yet, always able to add just the right flavor.

Hearts that beat true....a people worth more than gold...

...strong and true...American Eagles...

...That's my Oklahoma.

If you've never had an opportunity to visit Oklahoma, I encourage you to come...get to know us.  You'll be welcome to pull up a chair at the table.  Let me know if you pass our way.