Memorial Day didn't used to mean a lot to me. I don't mean that in an unpatriotic sort of way. I mean it in an "I just didn't totally get it" sort of way.
Sure, I knew the purpose was to remember those who are serving, have served and who have sacrificed their lives for our country. But I don't think I gave the holiday the truest sense of memory that the holiday's name implies.
But this year I took the whole weekend off - an extra long version of the long weekend. And I had more time to contemplate the date and more.
Friday as I was hanging the flag on our front porch a gentleman walked by with silver hair and a walk that as he passed caught my eye. As he walked on by, I had just a flicker of a memory of my dad... also silver haired and an avid neighborhood walker. I had just a split second where I started to call out. My dad has been gone nearly 8 years but his memory - that memory- was so vivid I almost fell off the ladder. My dad was a Korean War vet. My hands were shaking as I posted the flag.
I saw a story on one of the Sunday morning talk shows about a young vet who was hit in Iraq - the soul survivor in his Humvee. He lost three buddies and both arms and legs from that missle hit. The same weapon that severed his limbs saved his life because it cauterized the wounds as it passed through him. And he gave the interview with gratitude to be alive and striving for what was to come next. I said a prayer for his ensuing dream for a double arm transplant. HE had no regrets for serving his nation, for keeping me and my family safer. I will remember his story for days to come.
Finally, I saw a list of the most recent soldiers to give their lives this week. Among them a 19 year old. I can't lie. I cried on the spot and still do when I remember the list. After all, some mom has that son to remember that loss everyday not just once a year. I gave Nate an extra long hug when he finally rolled out of bed - thankful my son is safe and sound.
Memorial Day 2010. I get it.
