Monday, May 31, 2010

MEMORIAL DAY


HAPPY BEAUTIFUL MEMORIAL DAY, PEEPS!

Speaking of memories, I grin as I recall the days of my youth and the glorious family traditions carried on for generations. Ever lovely Cache Valley, visiting the graves and then gathering at Uncle Lynn and Aunt Laura's beautiful bungalow style home with the expansive lawns covered in sweet smelling lilacs and Iris flowers. Thousands of cousins to play with...some you weren't really sure were related or if they'd just wandered by and saw the party~but they could swing just as high as you could and were missing the same teeth, therefore, soul mates.

Feasting on potato salad, brownies and divinity just to pass the time until the REAL reason for the festivities to every child under 12...the most DECADENT THING ON THE FACE OF THE EARTH...The GARBAGE CAN FULL OF FREEZING COLD ICE WATER AND ALL THE POP YOU COULD DRINK. That's right. ALL. And to a child with no control over anything in their lives except their bladder, this was a as close to autonomy as we'd ever get.

But in order to conquer that ever elusive red cream soda, you were required to fish and grab until your veins throbbed and blood turned to slush. Totally worth it, because being seen with that red can in your frozen clutch was akin to a purple heart. They'd salute you as you'd pass by and a hush would come over the crowd.

Since we're on the subject of saluting, may I just put my typing hand over my bosom for a moment and give a heart felt and humble Thank You, to those men and women of nobility whose bodies lay in fields of clover and rows of flags, in order that I could swing in innocence on those lawns of lilacs. To the handsome soldier and spirited wife who dressed his coffin rather than their babes. To the Grandpas and Grandmas who lived and taught Greater Good through word and action, that the next generation would have the same love for God, Family and Country~and be willing to give of their own lives, in order to save ours.

"Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life..."

...in this case, not even for his friends, but for generations of people yet to be, yet to appreciate, yet to sometimes even care. But I do. And you are forever in my heart~with every prayer on my knees, every trip to the graveside, every flag I salute.

God, Family and Country.



And a hush comes over the crowd.






7 comments:

McClendon said...

Amen to all of it, except the red cream soda was in a bottle. Cans were not yet in wide use. Double amen to the troop part, both past and present.

Cluttered Brain said...

Mmm. red cream soda!
Yum!
Can't wait to hear your updates fro CAsual blogger conference!!
You beautiful and funny lady!!
(Who I cannot remember your name!) i have a picture, but can't remember your name...Psst give me a hint. what is it?

TisforTonya said...

I'm not sure I've ever HAD red cream soda - maybe I lived on another planet? Yikes :)

Beautifully written!

Just a bed of roses said...

No body says it like you Lisa...love the slushy blood in veins, so true.

And you look amazing wearing your beautiful holiday home surrounding you...spectacular!

I thought for sure you would be at those dirty sand dunes. Maybe you got the house to yourself?

Krista said...

Very well written with perfect punctuation. It seriously brought a tear to my eyes. I hope your head is feelin' better cause mine is NOT. Therefore, no post from me. Thanks for the ride and chats and laughs and talking me out of those shoes even though I can't quit thinking about them.

Mimi Sue said...

Oh so true, Lisa. You hit the nail right on the head. You are definitely younger than me. Soda came in bottles when I was a kid. Nehi grape, pure ambrosia. Hope your Memorial Day was peaceful. Mimi

Amy said...

Are you kidding me?! This picture is straight off a magazine cover. Who's the over-achiever now?! haha