Little Aubrey has been begging to come to her
Pawpaw’s house. Yesterday, her parents (who will be driving her) learned they
have a free weekend. So, Aubrey’s coming to Rector to see Pawpaw, and her Nana,
as a side note. Her parents will accompany her.
“Thrilled,” is how I put it to her mama. And, we are.
I’m twirling recipes and entertainment in my constantly whirling brain
as I make my morning walk of about 1.5 miles through Woodland Heights Cemetery.
“I’ll bake a pound cake for the strawberries.” Oblivious, except to my plans.
I’m caught short.
I stop. Teenagers from RHS scatter the cemetery carrying bundles of
American flags and a stake for ease in setting.
Each group carries a plot map. Several adults plus the cemetery director, Betty Essman, are with them. They accomplish this honorable task every year and pick up the
flags on the following Tuesday.
Memorial Day weekend. The holiday honoring those who served and have died is what the preparation is all about. it's also about reverence.
Woodland Heights Cemetery occupies the northwest
corner of town, set on multi-acre plots.
It looks like a park. A lovely
park, prettier than most municipal parks, anywhere.
Add to that a sea of small American flags standing
at attention at each grave site where a soldier takes his/her final rest.
Flying overhead is the ever-present American flag that waves with pride daily.
Along my route, I met a lovely lady, Becky Mount's mother, who told me
about her family and where they lie buried. She has made certain the graves are
adorned with memorial flowers for the weekend. We visit, just like old friends.
Such honor, love, and beauty you won’t see often,
anywhere. My heart is filled.
I wish my parents were buried here, especially this
weekend, so that Daddy could receive the honor, love and attention he deserves
as a WWII veteran and soldier in the USMC.
Yes, Little Aubrey will be at her Pawpaw’s house
this weekend. We’ll take her to the park
by the Community Center and let her swing and slide. We’ll eat some Bill’s BBQ and strawberries atop pound cake (with a dollop of Cool Whip) and enjoy each
other’s company.
We’ll also make certain that she waves a flag and
learns what this holiday represents.
I hope you had a wonderful weekend with little Audrey. The last time I visited the little cemetery where my family is buried, I saw that someone had placed small flags at the head of my brother's grave and the other service people who rest there. It warmed my heart. May they all rest in peace.
ReplyDelete