Today is Memorial Day. Today, let us spend some time remembering those who have gone before us, whether or not our lives touched directly in ways that are apparent to us.
I remember my father's sister, who loved Sonic and often took us four children there for a treat, despite her limited income. I smile as I drink a cherry limeade in her memory..
I remember my father's other sister, who had a thousand different ways to do my sister's and my hair. She also eventually took me to get my very first Jheri curl. (It was a mistake of epic proportions.)
I remember my father's brother, who told us silly stories and showed zero remorse at the frustration he caused in my grandmother's household. He knew he was funny.
I remember my grandmother, who always spoke to us as though we were rational and intelligent, even when we were very young and out of our minds, as all small children are.
And I remember to give thanks for Thomas Edison and his life, because I appreciate electricity. Also in this category: I give thanks for the lives of all the people responsible for heating and cooling.
I give thanks for our forebears, who chronicled their lifetimes, so that we know how they lived, struggled and celebrated. I appreciate knowing their thoughts, and understanding the lessons they shared.
I give thanks for pioneers in social justice and religious freedom and medicine.
I give thanks for the people who work to shelter and protect the rest of us. Their hours are many, and the thanks they hear are few.
I give thanks for those who believe, and who don't believe.
I give thanks for those who know their talent, and those who feel they have none.
I give thanks for us all: for every life that has danced and skipped and rolled across this big, blue marble.
There are so many lives to be thankful for. We have all lived here, on this gorgeous rock, under the illusion that our days and nights are secret. There is no denying that our lives track together; we are bound to one another, closer than blood.
We are connected, and nothing changes that--not time and space; not death; not circumstances.
I hope that your Memorial Day was filled with memories and introspection; with joy and connection; and that you spent some time in the sunshine, filling up your cup with joy.
Remember: we do live forever, in each other's hearts and memories. Go make more.
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