Remembrances on Memorial Day from Miriam
Memorial Day has a special place in my heart. Not only does it give us the opportunity to honor those who protect our freedom, it is also a time for family and friends. Often it is the first camp out of the season, at least here in Utah where it can be cold up until the end of May. It’s close to my heart for other reasons, though.
When I was a little girl, we would always visit cemeteries on Memorial Day. We would plan a picnic together with cousins and meet at or near the cemeteries of our loved ones. We would tell stories of when those loved ones were with us, what they were like, and how they influenced our lives. We would buy flowers and put them on their graves. It may seem simple but it was a time to be together—a time to remember and feel the love of those we missed. My mom was always the driving force for these gatherings. She passed away in 2012, so now we bring flowers and a picnic to her grave. We think about her life and influence over us and our love for her.
My dad and both of his parents were in the military. I love the feeling I get when I see all of those flags lined up along the grass. I am so grateful for the men and women who sacrificed so much to keep our country free and us safe.
This Memorial Day, I know many of us are honoring those who came before, remembering the love they shared with us. We can learn powerful lessons from stories of the past. We can look toward our future with hope. We can take our knowledge and honor our loved ones by living better lives, healthier, more compassionate lives. We can work to inspire others with those memories. We can be kinder to ourselves. I am grateful for the memories I have of this holiday
that bring my heart joy and peace. I hope this Memorial Day you make some happy memories and remember you are important and loved.
