I stopped by the cemetery this morning to water the plants and check to make sure Dad got a new flag. It was a beautiful sparkling morning and I thought how I'd been coming here for 50 yrs - first as a small child after my grandparents died. I recall being there with Dad in the peaceful twilight, while he watered the flowers with Grandpa's old watering can (which I still have & treasure). 38 years ago I first planted flowers at my brother's grave - always red, white, and blue because he was born on the 4th of July. After Dad died, we kept that tradition which honored him as a Vet too. For Mumma, I added a plaque from Revelations: "And God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more sorrow, nor crying, nor shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed away" and also Diamond Frost flowers because she was indeed a "diamond".
Their sacrifices & goodness accrued only to them - not to us, but by honoring them, it's a reminder to incorporate some of their great attributes within ourselves. Gratitude is really one of the most important human emotions and I wish it was more encouraged in this generation. Too many people act as if they just sprang up out of the ground on their own power, believing they're simply entitled to everything. Recognition of our deep indebtedness for all the love, sacrifices, & hard work & thankfulness for the resulting strength, grace, and wisdom - this is what should awaken a sincere appreciation & wonder that they were present on the earth.
On Memorial Day, I'll attend outdoor Mass in the cemetery. If you've never been to a Memorial day service - I urge you to go. It's such a beautiful & moving experience. I'll be thanking God for each & every Veteran - on earth & in heaven for what they've done for us.
