This Memorial Day Weekend brought on a whole new meaning to what Memorial Day means to me.
As a child growing up, we always celebrated Memorial Day by going to Tahlequah where most of my Mother's family was buried and decorated the graves. This was a family ritual.
My Grandmother - Nana - who lived with us, started in January after Christmas making the most beautiful crepe paper flowers. She could make them almost life-like. Then, she dipped them in paraffin and made cemetery arrangements out of them.
We took a full day trip to go down and decorated all of the graves.
So, on Tuesday of this week, my sister Rita and I went out and decorated the graves of our family in Pryor. My Dad bought a whole section in the old cemetery at Pryor so we could all be together.The above photo is my Mom and Dad's stone.
my youngest sister, Jane....
and precious little Landen.
My Dad has a military plaque at the bottom of his grave.
They encouraged me to have John's military plaque put on his headstone. The ones in the ground get scratched up pretty bad from the lawmowers, etc. And they did an awesome job on it.
So, this Memorial Day, remember those who have passed and love on those that are still here.
Judy
Judy, I know this is a touch time, without your sweet John. He is with all your other loved ones who have passed on. I have to think of my brothers with my parents, all together and happy and healthy. Like God promised. Blessings, xoxo,Susie
ReplyDeletewhat a beautiful story,,,
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful tribute to your family, Judy.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this Judy. Such precious memories and a beautiful tribute to your family.
ReplyDeleteBG and I went to the cemeteries yesterday after he got home from work and decorated graves. I don't have any relatives that are still here except a cousin or two, so there are lots of graves to decorate. It was so peaceful in the cemetery where my relatives are buried. I feel the same way as Susie in that they are all together now and happy and healthy. John's headstone looks so nice and is beautifully decorated. I think it was a great idea to put the military plaque on the headstone. I noticed so many headstones this year including my parents that were not very straight that must have been bumped by the mowers.
ReplyDelete{Judy}, I know how hard this has to be on you. Sending hugs. Blessings
ReplyDeleteWe always go to the cemetery and clean up around the stone and put out a big geranium that makes it fine until frost, with our summers. It is always a bittersweet time, but so important. xoxo
ReplyDeleteBeautiful way to remember Judy.
ReplyDeleteHugs to you as you remember.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Judy. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteKris
Sending you a big hug Judy.
ReplyDeleteMeredith
Beautiful post today!!
ReplyDeletehugs,
Cindy
sending hugs and love, xoxo
ReplyDeleteMy mother and I used to do the same for family members graves around mother and fathers day. My sister and I should start doing it now.May God continue to bless and keep you. Hugs sent your way. Have a good weekend.
ReplyDeleteThese are beautiful---I am so happy that your family is memorialized like this---it must give you a real sense of peace.
ReplyDeleteLove to you,
Jane xxx
Beautiful post, my friend. John's headstone looks lovely. Thinking of you and John and all those we have lost.
ReplyDeleteMuch love,
Claudia
May God be with you on this Memorial Day, Judy. Thank you for sharing with us all the contributions your loved ones have made who were in the military. Your memories of visiting family graves is similar to mine. My aunts and uncles called it Decoration Day and it was family reunion time and time to beautify the graves of loved ones.
ReplyDeleteDewena
A bittersweet holiday, that's for sure. Phil's ashes are in an urn buried at the foot of my dad's grave. We didn't have a headstone put there and probably never will. I don't like going to the cemetery anyway. God bless you, Judy!
ReplyDeleteJudy,
ReplyDeleteWhat an endearing post, you touched my heart. I can visualize your Grandmothers crepe paper flower bouquets.
Memorial weekend marks our 36th celebration in our home but it also marks the first anniversary of my Dad's passing.
Dad served in WWll and passed on May 26th, 2014 Memorial Day. So my weekend is a time spent in reflection.
xoxo,
Vera
Love the military plaque in the headstone! It is beautiful and you should be very proud of how it turned out! God bless all those who lost loved ones, I am thankful for each and every one who served our Country and are serving today! Sending HUGS and PRAYERS your way!
ReplyDeleteIt is definitely a time of honor and remembrance! Thinking of you this weekend, Judy! Blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteSo emotional...when I saw Landon's stone with the little cars, I just started crying. John's resting place looks beautiful too. Such a bitter sweet time. I'm thinking of you today. XO
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post. God Bless them all.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful tribute and so much tender care ...God Bless.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful tribute and so much tender care ...God Bless.
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice tribute and to all be laid to rest in the same area ox
ReplyDelete