Memorial Day . . .

 

Memorial Day
2013

 

some words come to mind

honor  respect  remembrance

those who have died as they served our country

personal loved ones who have died

children  parents  relatives  friends

husband  father

 

 

I find myself thinking of parents whose

  children who have died

 the hopes, dreams, promises that must have also died

i can't imagine the loss and pain

my heart feels love and tenderness.

 

 

so much history in a cemetery

i wonder who is still alive in this family

who tends the grave

does anyone come to this grave

what do they remember

 

 

i don't hesitate to make a trip to the cemetery.

in fact I find it a quiet place to visit.

there is no rush or scattered, frantic, hurry
 

i enjoy seeing others tending and reflecting

and i imagine the life stories
of those lives which are now marked in marble and stone
and in the personal markings i see here and there 
  

we each have chapters in our life

the bits and pieces. the hills and valleys

the joys and sorrows

 

this is one of my chapters

 

i made a visit to the cemetery

it was a gorgeous day

i was alone there when i brought my flowers

suddenly i was overcome with sadness

unlike ever before

i don't have to go there to remember

although in going

 i am reminded

 

 chapters

memories

college

falling in love

marriage

children

cities where we lived

first home

adventures  travels 

skiing  boating  camping

plans and dreams

pets

laughter

love

friends

family

 

thirty three years ago

life changed

suddenly  unexpectedly

 

sometimes i just simply miss the yesterdays

even though i feel blessed with my today

~

Gary Kay Gordon

2-13-39 - 10-14-80