Remembrance and Reconciliation

Did you know memorial day began as a time of remembrance and reconciliation to honor soldiers from both sides of the American Civil War? First known as Decoration Day, by the early 20th century it became a time to visit and decorate the graves of family members.

My grandmother guarded every blossom in our yard from plucking before that last weekend in May. Then we I loaded up the car with peonies, roses, lilacs and tulips and drove out to the Rockville Cemetary. We visited old graves of relatives I never knew and the newer one of my paternal grandfather, even though my parents were divorced, in the true spirit of remembrance.

All 4 of my grandparents are buried there now, some of my mother's ashes scattered, all of my aunts and uncles and 3 cousins though I am the first born. My heart feels very full with sweet memories of them and the soft scent of roses, peonies and lilacs

Happy Memorial day Weekend. With all of the usual celebrations I wish you a time of sweet remembrance, reconciliation and spring flowers.