Memorial Day, Part 1

This year Mom and Dad are on a cruise over the Memorial Day holiday.  I told Dad I would take care of decorating the graves down in my neck of the woods.  Fortunately, I go with them almost every year, so I know almost exactly where they are.  I had to do a little bit of wondering in the Midvale Cemetery before locating Great-Grandma and Grandpa Strong and Aunt Catherine.  I felt a little bad about having to wander there when I pulled up and found a funeral in session, but it was breaking up when I parked and pulled flowers out.  There is something to be said about paying tribute to those who have gone before us.  We have three cemeteries to visit.  Truthfully, I'm not sure of the military heritage of all the people who's graves we put flowers on, if there is any, but, at least in my family, it's not just about remembering the military.  Whether I know the whole story or not, everyone who has gone before me has somehow contributed to giving me the opportunities I have today and have shaped me into who I am today.  I am so profoundly grateful.  Going to their graves once a year is not too much of a sacrifice to go through in order to give some respect to them.  I actually really enjoy doing this.  It's a privilege to be able to pay tribute.

   As I went to pull the flowers out of my trunk, I just thought this was such a pretty sight.

Dad usually comes to Grandma and Grandpa Ottley's graves complete with things to clean and take care of it.  Brian picked up some of the slack and edged around it before cleaning it.

Wiping off the cleaner - he actually stood and just observed the grave for a while and that about had me in tears.  I don't know what he was thinking, wasn't about to ask, but there was just something about the sight.  I enjoyed explaining a little bit to his kids about who we were visiting and that this was something we did for people we love who aren't able to be with us anymore.  They are really young and probably don't understand, but I was glad to share this with them.

Monday, we'll meet up again as I take Grandma and Grandpa Clark up to the Clarkston Cemetery.  I hope the weather cooperates with us.