This is the weekend each year that we remember!  Actually, those of us who’ve lost loved ones remember many times during the year; but this weekend has been set aside to officially remember.

Memorial Day started as a way of remembering those who served our country and were killed during that service.  It has been a way of honoring those who gave the “last full measure!”

But over the years, our remembrances took on a much larger scope.  Remembering those who were important and significant in our lives who are gone from our midst!  We gather flowers & plants to decorate the spots where they’re laid to rest to show that we remember.

This is the first year since three significant people in my family’s life died, that we didn’t get the job done.  The large floral tubs remain empty because life simply intervened with an early end to the school year and all that brings; as well as weather that thought it was still very early spring (cold & very damp).

At least that’s the excuse we’ve used as we said to each other, “don’t worry about it, we’ll do it this next week!”  But today, I’m fretting about it and ready to race out to see if any plants remain anywhere in retail-land so that the large tubs on the hill are not empty when tomorrow dawns.

I admit it’s a task.  Taking time away from the regular busy routine of the days to gather the essentials; drive to the place they lay; pull last year’s dead roots from the knotted ground; turn the soil and put in fresh plants that will then require weekly watering if only a moderate summer comes.

Is it that important?  Is a public display for them or for ourselves so that no one says; “oh they’ve forgotten so soon!”

I can’t answer that; but I can say that Memorial Day has become embedded in our society and culture.  It’s simply something we do one day of the year; while remembering those who gave the ultimate sacrifice and those we loved whose earthly lives are no more - each and every day of the remaining 364.

It’s good to remember!  It’s good to take time out to utter a quiet “thank you” for the men and women who gave their lives protecting the freedoms we so often take for granted!  It’s good to let the world know that we care enough to put in the effort to show the world we care - and remember.  For some it is a painful reminder - for others a simple gesture of appreciation for the spouses, moms, dads, children and friends who shared life with us - if only for a while.

As I sit here writing, I feel pressured to get dressed and go out to find what is needed to fill those empty tubs at the top of the hill so that the nagging ‘guilt’ goes away.

Yes, it’s race day in Indiana with the “greatest spectacle in racing” just a few miles from me.  Yes it’s picnic and camping day for some and a quiet day of rest for others as they contemplate another day of refreshment tomorrow.

For me, it’s off to do what should have been done days ago.  As I drive through the iron gates & round the bend, I’ll notice the brightly colored baskets and American flags that dot that quiet spot on a hill.  As I walk from the car to the large black granite stones that rise above the rest, I’ll step carefully as my Mom taught me to do.  I’ll murmur disgust that weeds have invaded the tubs and the dirt is knotted & gnarled; but once the task is completed. . .

I’ll step back and survey the landscape noticing names all too familiar.  I’ll shed a tear as I look to those whose resting place holds a special reminder that they served & gave.  And I’ll reflect on how much those who rest in front of me made life so much richer because we were connected by choice and by nature.

The walk back to the car is always slow and reflective, as well it ought to be.  Once out the gate and down the hill; life returns to normal pace and the mind turns to the tasks of the day.

But for a few brief moments, it has been good to remember!

May your memories of those who meant so much to you and those who gave it all that we might have this opportunity to live, breath and remember - be part of today.  And may God’s richest blessings follow!

Linda, a fellow journeyer