As I pulled into the cemetery, which was mobbed with people and lined with cars, I saw this beautiful sight surrounding me as so many families and individuals gathered together to mourn the loss of those who have gone before. It's one of my favorite times, Memorial Day, to go to the cemetery because the grounds are adorned with love and respect seen in flowers, plastic windmills, and even balloons.
I was alone with only Megan and Tess to accompany me. Adam and Bella were feeling ill and my family is in St. George at the moment. We sat there by the grave and I told them stories about my brother when I was a child, stories I thought they could relate to. They laughed and asked questions wanting to know more. Being able to share him with my kids has actually been the best way to let go of the hurt and remember the joy.
It wasn't long before they had left me and found interest in 3 little boys. As it turns out the boys belonged to a friend of mine and also a very good friend of my brother Alan, Nicolle B.
Nicolle is telling Megan she was her uncle Alan's good friend.
Surprised to see her, I don't know why as I've seen her there before, we talked for a bit and both realized that even death can bring people together. Of course I wasn't prepared as I should have been to clean Alan's grave (my dad usually has the equipment) so we all walked over (only a few feet from her father's grave) and we talked as we edged and weeded the grave stone. It was so good to see and talk with her. She brings back so many wonderful memories of his life and reminds me of all the wonderful times.
I missed my family and sharing this tradition with them, but it was good to just be alone in my thoughts. It has been a long road for me, but I can honestly say, even though I know he is not necessarily there, being there keeps him close and his life a reality.
I hope you all have a great holiday.
12 comments:
what a sweet tradition. Thank you for sharing this!
I'm so glad this is a healing tradition for you, Amy. And how great that you saw a friend there as well!
We are planning to go to my little niece's grave today, but so far no luck because of heavy rains...
i thought about you today and wondered how it went. glad it was a good day and that you were able to spend time there even though it rained.
what a great way to remember your brother.
Beautiful photos of a beautiful experience...so tenderly told.
I love that we have often met there. What a beautiful history your words are for your family. Thanks for including me in your memories.
This is such a sweet post about Memorial Day and how you are keeping Alan's memory alive in your family and making him real to your girls. I love that you shared stories about him so that they could understand what he was like. I think it's a beautiful thing that you are teaching them- that even though death is hard we can still remember good things about the person and be happy for the time we shared with them. At least that's what I got out of it. Sounds like a lovely day, especially seeing his old friend there.
I have always loved reading your Memorial Day posts. They are just this genuine window into your soul. Thank you for sharing them Amy.
Thank you for sharing such beautiful photos and beautiful words. I'm sure he was there with you in spirit. So wonderful.
I look forward to your Memorial Day posts. This ones was so great and the tradition of healing and keeping his memory alive through your girls is amazing. You are doing great things Amy.
love you Amy. thank you for sharing this.
oh wow, beautiful thoughts, cheerishable moments, specially the feet photo! what a fantastic idea. and i loved loved them wanting to know more and more!
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