Memorial Day 2008

Waking up to such a rainy, dreary day threatened to ruin our Memorial Day plans...but it actually did just the opposite. We had planned to spend a small amount of time at the cemetaries delivering flowers and then spend the rest of the day at my mom's house swimming and cooking out and just relaxing after our exciting weekend at the sand dunes. Well, the rain foiled that plan, so we had to come up with something else for the holiday. Since we couldn't really go outside, we spent most of the morning just playing with the kids...whatever they wanted to play. We don't get the chance to do that very often, so it was nice. Then, when we caught a break in the weather, we finally made it to the cemetaries. But instead of just placing our flowers and leaving, we spent time and lingered at each site. We told the kids who these family members were that we were visiting and then shared stories and memories with them. It was so nice to just take the time to remember those who have gone before us and shaped our lives in so many different ways. We also spent some time explaining to the kids about why we have memorial day and what it means to live in a country with all the freedoms and opportunities that we enjoy here. So, at the end of this memorial day, I am very thankful for the rain and the time it allowed us to really reflect on this day and what it means. And I am very grateful for the meaninful time spent with the kids. I don't know if they will remember it, but I will.