Memorial Day

Happy Memorial Day! I wanted to post a "thank you" to all the those who have given their lives in protecting this country and our freedoms. And to all those who are the family members that have lost a loved one fighting for those freedoms.

Also, I have been thinking of my family members that have left this world and gone on to a better place. To my and my husband's grandparents that we have both learned and gained so much from. There are days I wish they were still around to give us their perspective on things. My older brother that died from a car crash when I was still very young. I did not know him very well, but he seems to come to mind once in awhile still. When he does I immediately think of my Dad - losing his oldest son. I never remembered the exact date of my brother's death - but I always knew it was that time each year from the way my Dad acted. Very "off in his own thoughts" the days leading up and a few after. Being a parent now I cannot imagine losing a child. No matter how old they were - or how long ago it was - its not something you would "get over" - but I think you just go through different views of feeling and looking at it. My oldest sister and her husband lost their youngest son 9 years ago. He was barely a teenager and was hit at night while on his bike. I was a teenager when he was little and remember him giving me big hugs all the time I was near him. He loved watching movies and playing video games. He is still that little kid in my mind - even though he was taller than me when he passed away. Funny thing is that my 5 yr old boy reminds me of my Nephew in soooo many ways.
My heart aches for those not here anymore, but only because of my lost. In the same moment it is filled with joy for them because they are a lot happier where they are. And some day we will all be reunited together again. My grandpa once said that the only thing he wanted his family to remember when he was gone was - "He did not want any empty chairs in Heaven." Meaning, we as his family needed to live a life that would keep us on the right track - one that would make him proud when he met us in Heaven some day. I think that thought is always in the back of my mind when making decisions in my life.