Memorial Day Weekend
Belinda @ Kids Matter
Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, first observed on May 30, 1868, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. While the holiday is in honor of the fallen, it is also a celebration of life for families throughout this great nation. Many families choose this weekend to kick off summer and spend great family time, bonding. May 29, 1983 was the day that started this annual weekend celebration for my family. That was the birth date of my first son. Suddenly, I wasn’t just a woman in search of a future, I was a mom. So, in addition to honoring the fallen, we opted to also celebrate family.
Each year on Memorial Weekend, our family comes together to celebrate birthdays, graduations, and life events. We spend time together eating, chatting, and letting all the grandkids just play their little hearts out. We have a cookout with big cakes and lots of picture taking to commemorate the event. Lots of friends and family are invited; games are played and presents opened. And oh, the many laughs that have filled my soul. It’s hard to imagine that this year marks the 31st anniversary of our traditional Memorial Day weekend.
These special family times are just fleeting moments in the overall scheme of life. We take them for granted, more than we should. You never know what life event may happen and suddenly you find that one family member no longer in attendance. Suddenly, even a memory of the chaotic event, planning and organizing, can bring about a smile. Why? Because… even if it is only one event, it is still time cherished as family.
Family holidays and traditions are simple ways to keep family unity. Don’t allow times like these to slip away without even a second thought. Cherish every moment with your family… yes, even those with whom you don’t have an excellent relationship. The soldiers of this world have put their lives on the line in order to afford you the liberty of being free. Don’t we owe it to them to make the most of our family time? Slow life down for one simple weekend, to laugh and play with your family. Put away the cell phones. Hide the Xbox. Turn off the laptops and tablets. We all need to slow it down, relax, and enjoy life with our family. You don’t always know what lives you touch or what lives touch you until that life is no longer there. Remember, spend time with those who put a light in your heart as often as you can.
Happy Memorial Day from my family to yours!
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