In Loving Memory

Death has never been my favorite subject. I know it is part of the plan, but the idea of being put in a wooden box seems so claustraphobic, and then dirt on top of that. Ugh!!! Then there is leaving loved ones behind--I just hate it!!! As a child, I remember hiding out in the car while mom, dad, grandpa and grandma Hart went to the cemetary in Menan. They went to pay their respect, clean, and decorate the grave sites of those that had passed on.

I never really looked forward to Memorial Day, even to this day. But I do believe in paying my respects. For a while, and as a single young woman, I would meet Grandma Garff out at Wasatch Memorial. We would sit on a blanket and read a cute little book and reminisce about Grandpa. Aunt Donna always sent the lovliest of flowers and this year was no different.

Now the older I get, the more people I know--Rick's Mother and Aunt have both been added to this particular cemetary. This year, we had the honor of taking Grandma Garff with us to Wasatch Memorials. We did not sit or read, but we did observe the Marriott touch. The flowers were splendid and I could tell that was pleasing to Grandma.

Rick and Noah walked over to see a few of Rick's relatives and his Mother. Then we continued our afternoon together over dinner at the Sizzler. We love being with Grandma and feel extra blessed that she is still with us in her ripe old age of 92.

The highlight of the day had to have been when Rick called me to come outside. Noah had figured out how to fly a kite and there he was with a grin as big as Texas and kite string in hand. I was proud of him. Most of the kites I tried to fly, just scooted behind me on the pavement. I was happy to end the day with a more cheerful activity.

What I learned from Noah: Memorial Day is the perfect day to fly a kite--way up high--maybe even to the edge of heaven where loved ones are looking down.