me·mo·ri·al
–noun
something designed to preserve the memory of a person, event, etc., as a monument or a holiday.
–adjective
preserving the memory of a person or thing; commemorative: memorial services.
of or pertaining to the memory.
When I think about all the memories that I have preserved in scrapbooks and picture frames, I am filled with gratitude for all the people, places and experiences that have made our lives what they are today. As a family, for generations, we have known possibility. We have traveled, known a myriad of professions, lived in many different parts of this country, and celebrated the milestones of our lives together.
Freely.
I'm sure I don't appreciate this freedom in the same way that my immigrant great grandparents appreciated it. Maybe I appreciate it a bit more than the youngest of the cousins...I hope so. As I honor the memory of all these family members - from young, to long gone - may I take a moment to remember that every aspect of our lives has been shaped by possibility, by choice, by freedom.
Today, and everyday, help me never to take that for granted.
Nice post. We must honor and always remember.
ReplyDeleteIt is easy to take our freedoms for granted when things are going well, isn't it? You are right, everyday we should remember what it takes to get us here. Happy Memorial Day!
ReplyDeleteHappy Memorial Day!
ReplyDeleteI have such an appreciation for memory keepers like you. I worked for a entire day on one page of a scrapbook - and then ended up glue the pages together. Happy Memorial Day
ReplyDelete