I have a tender place in my heart for Memorial Day. I like to think of it as "Memory Day". It is a time for me to truly pay homage in my heart and soul to all the individuals who set their feet upon a path and saw it through to the end....good and bad, tragic and joyous, sacrifice and blessing, hardship and work, consecration of life, health, fortune, and family in the name of something bigger than themselves. Starting what you finish. Finishing what you start. Believing in dreams that take you to the highest mountains and the lowest valleys.
Last night I sat in a minivan with my husband and 3 children and read them the story of my great-grandparents Oscarson as we drove through a dark and dismal rainstorm to the cemetary where they are buried. I imagined Gustav Emil with his heart planted firmly in the gospel of Jesus Christ and his feet pointed toward Zion. With his homeland and family at his back, and the promise of new life among the Saints in Zion in front of him, he sailed on that ship to a new world, a new life. It was met with great hardship and trial but with enduring faith. I always cry when I read about Johanna coming to join him, the birth of their 3 children, the death of their 2nd little girl, and ultimately, the death of this young mother. I feel gratitude to my great-grandmother who had the compassion to come care for this young family and found eternal love and joy where there had been such great sorrow. I love these stories. I tell them to my children every year on the way to the cemetary so they will know and love and appreciate these people whose very heart and soul exist in their own. We placed flowers on their graves and I was touched as HB knelt down by the grave of Johanna and placed a paper flower that she had so lovingly spent the afternoon making. HB bears Johanna's name and it is with pride that I watch these 2 great women connect in small ways. I hope HB will carry Johanna's courage and strength, her passion for the gospel, her dedication to family and home. I hope all 3 of my children will feel the strength of the blood that runs in their veins.
After leaving the cemetary, we drove into town and visited the lot where my great-grandparents had their home and orchard. With the help of Papa on the cell phone, we were able to locate the 4 big apple trees that still stand on a portion of this land, original trees planted by my grandparents. I let my eyes sweep from one side of the block to the other and tried to imagine the life they had here. It mentions in their biographies that their home and land were truly considered heaven on earth for them. It will always be a sacred place for me.
And today my feelings are still tender. I am remembering my Grandma and Grandpa Oscarson...my beautiful grandmother turned 100 years old on Saturday. I would like to think there was a small memorial service in heaven with lace doilies and beautiful flowers and music to celebrate her life here on earth. I think of my beloved Aunt Boo and Aunt Ruthy who I miss so much. They each filled their places in this world with love and laughter and joy and so much beauty! I am remembering Chris' Grandma and Grandpa Anderson, their faith and love and untiring service to church and family. I wish I had known Chris' Grandpa Carr. I think I would have loved him. There are so many who are on my mind today. I hope they know I appreciate their lives. Every one of them have stories that illustrate the principle of setting your feet on solid ground with faith in your heart, a testimony burning in your soul, and a desire to win a good race. Each of them faced trials and heartaches...and each of them had such love and joy in their lives. I celebrate their paths that have helped me create my own and the strength they have each let me borrow through their examples and legacy.
Last week, Abby took a beautiful picture of my parents. They are walking down a street together with their hands firmly clasped together and their faces pointing toward the great Salt Lake City temple. It was a candid shot but it speaks volumes about the individuals in my life who continue to set their faces and hearts forward and move with more courage and determination than I have ever seen.
Today I celebrate memories and journeys both past and present. Today I feel to rededicate myself to the journey I am on with greater faith, determination and courage. I want to celebrate where I have been and the potential of where I can go. I want to celebrate all the sacrifices that have been made to enable me and my family to be where we are and enjoy the incredible blessings we partake of daily. It is a day to rejoice and move forward!
