Memorials/Memories

This was the day to do an annual chore - getting out the cemetery flowers for Memorial Day. It always surprises me from one year to the next what I have on hand - this year I see that evidently I bought all new flowers last year. That's good; everything is ready to put out again for this year. As long as the weather isn't bad, these flowers can be reused year after year........after all, we'll be back within ten days to pick everything up, before the next mowing of the cemetery.

After my mom read yesterday's blog, she realized if we went to the cemetery on Friday afternoon, we would be changing routine. That's something she would NOT want to do - me either, as a matter of fact. We both like our ruts deep, straight, and unchanged! In this instance, we have developed an annual routine of putting Memorial Day flowers at Ebenezer Cemetery near Bogard and Braden Cemetery near Coloma, then having lunch at Burger Bar in Carrollton. So, our plans have changed and we will do the cemetery trip on Friday morning - then have the beef burgers ready, please!

Many of my Dad's extended family for a couple of generations before him are buried in Braden Cemetery, including his grandparents. When I was very small, I remember that the families were responsible for mowing the family plots at the cemetery. (I must say that I think it's much nicer now for the cemeteries to hire someone to mow, so the grass is all even.) I have memories of going with my parents to mow the Dorsey family plots at Braden. Far from being intimidated, I always enjoyed playing while they mowed. Dad's grandparents had what, to me, was a huge headstone. I don't know why I thought I needed to climb on it, but I remember doing just that. One memory that especially stands out was one spring when I found wild strawberries in the cemetery. they were yummy - and I got so incredibly sick that night! I don't know if it was an allergic reaction or what, but I remember being fine one minute and the next the room spinning around (and my tummy, too).

My folks never sheltered me from the inevitable sad times of life - I was taken to funerals as far back as I can remember. I can still remember a time when the visitation for a loved one was held at the family home, with the casket in the living room. That was a little strange for a small child.

Both my grandfathers left this world when I was 13, just three months apart. That was hard. Both grandmothers are gone now as well, both of Dad's brothers, my aunt, and two older first cousins. This makes Memorial Day an especially bittersweet time, as we honor their memories by putting flowers on their graves. But it's a loving tribute for all of them and something I'm pleased I can do.