Awakened by the sun flooding my room, I rushed out of bed. Which should I do first? Brush my hair? My teeth? Quickly get dressed and then head to the bathroom? I was frazzled. It was 9 am on a Monday morning. Clearly, I had missed school. With my bright pink hairbrush in one hand and a scrunchie in the other, I dashed to the bathroom. Mid-dash, I stopped as I noticed that my little sister's room door was closed. Had she slept in, too? It was not until I was ready for school with books in hand that I sped down the stairs only to find my patriotic father dressed in a red, white, and blue three-piece suit, holding signs for his upcoming political campaign. "I need to head out and get in place for the parade," he said, I'll be sure to wave to you!" I slumped down on the couch in relief, thankful that it was Memorial Day and that my sister and I did not miss school. Our school year ended in June. Having that one last day off in May was always welcome, but often forg...