Yesterday was Memorial Day. A day of remembrance for all the men and women who fought to keep us safe. They put their life at risk for our freedom and some never made it home. They have friends and family who mourn them every day. This is a day that was chosen for us as a nation to honor them as well.

Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day, to call us to decorate the tombstones of those who fought for our freedom. The end of May was chosen because the flowers are in full bloom. That’s why we place flowers in the cemetery. My mother used to go to the cemetery with beautiful flowers and place them on her brother’s grave as well as her parents. This is something I’ve never done by myself, and I think this is something I personally need to change. I feel that forever remembering those who gave their live for our freedom should be honored. I continue to think about not only the service men and women but also the first responders. Those who run into the face of danger to protect people they don’t even know. God recognizes this as no greater love. John 15:13 says “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friend.”

This got to me to also think about how to honor our loved ones who have passed. Here are a few ideas.

Keep an item of theirs with you. I have a silver dollar that my mother carried in her change purse that I now carry. I have a bottle of the perfume my grandmother wore and handkerchief of the other grandmother and a necklace that my Uncle wore. When I wear it I hold it between my fingers and hear him say “I love you, you’re my very best friend.” Some people choose to have things made out of shirts they wore. You can create a living reminder like an angel garden, plant a tree, dedicate a bench to their favorite park. Create a shadow box with trinkets of theirs in them and hang it in your home. Tell stories about them. Write letters and journal the stories so you don’t forget. Start a new tradition in their honor. Dedicate an even in their honor. Get a memorial tattoo. Leave an empty chair at the table. Get a piece of jewelry with their name on it. Advocate for law changes if this is the case. Listen to their favorite music. But I think the biggest way to honor them is to live your best life to honor them. Don’t be afraid to talk to them, to talk about them, to listen for their voice and to ask them to send you signs.

Each person who touched our lives in one way or another are heroes. Maybe not in the same way as our fallen soldiers, but they helped us in to be who we are. They are everyday heroes. My mom gave me life and I know she would have died protecting me. She taught me how to love and be a mom. Without her, my life would not have the same meaning.

There is a quote –

In the hearts of those who loved you

you will always be there.

As you were, you will always be treasured,

forever in our memory.

I keep in my heart the love of the past.

For there it was planted forever to last.

Your presence I miss,

Your memory I treasure,

loving you always

forgetting your never.

I think this sums up honoring the memory of them. Memorial Day and every day.

Blessings

Stacey