Memorial Day

It is a holiday that invokes images of "taps" being played at a graveside ceremony. Somewhat sad feelings. I am not one to spend time at graveyards but I do spend a lot of time thinking of those loved ones who are gone. First of all I think of the kids maternal grandmother; Hattie Marie. She was a very great lady. I never heard her say anything negative about anyone, ever. How many people can you say that about? She was a perfect grandmother and indulged Lisa with anything and everything but mostly her time. She liked to buy matching outfits for Lisa and Karen. I remember when it was certain that she was not going to survive her battle with cancer she only stated that she was sorry that she would not be able to see her grandchildren grow up. she passed away on September 29th but on Lisa's first day of kindergarten, the first of September, even though she was barely able to talk, she called to see how Lisa's first day had gone. When I see Lisa being creative, sewing or baking I think she got some of this from her grandma Vaughan and the rest from my sister. She was not only a mother in law but a best friend.
It is still hard to talk about my Dad. It seems like only yesterday that he would bring me home a jelly sandwich in his lunchbox. I didn't even like jelly sandwiches but after he carried it around all day, it was delicious. It seems like most of my childhood I remember waiting for Dad to come home from work, and wanting to carry in his lunchbox. I miss him so much but know he would not have wanted to hang around with his health failing. Dad told us that he wished he had a role model as a father. His father died when he was 8 months old. But Dad was always gentle, never loud or mouthy and he too never had much bad to say about anyone. He was a survivor and touch. One of my proudest moments was when he got his GED. He only had an eighth grad education but he was wise. Another proud moments was when he quit smoking. What a strong man. The pain is still right up front and singing to him as he was unhooked from the ventilator and feeling him leave us. Today I honor these kind mentors that have gone on before me, teaching me so much. Thank you God for these gifts...........