The Power of Memorial Memories
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MONDAY MOURNING:
Today is surrounded with thoughts of the men and women who have died in military service to our nation. Every military family who lives on, apart from their loved ones because war snatched them away deserves honor, not only one day a year, but every day. This post is in honor of those who weep and have wept over the death of someone they loved dearly who gave their lives in service.Honoring and remembering our loved ones who have died is an important cultural tradition. I am just beginning to wonder; if it is possible to maintain a deep level of memory in the midst of daily demands, urgent duties, and important responsibilities. Or, is it even useful, necessary or practical to maintain a high level of consciousness about our deceased loved ones?Here is one response that might be a possible application to a perpetual Memorial Day. When someone we love dies, it changes our lives forever. That change can be for the better or the worse. Would seeking to make that change something positive be a way of continually honoring those who rest in their graves? Would our own choices to take steps towards healing and searching for renewed purpose in life be a means of honoring? What about allowing our pain to be the path that leads us to support others who are broken hearted?As we live through the seasons of grief, we come to discover that grief cycles. We might find the anniversary of our loved one’s death becomes a memorial event. Remembering can be a useful barometer to evaluate if the direction of our life is honoring the one we love and miss. Likewise, today can also be a day to honor the deceased by renewing our determination to choose goodness as a living legacy to their lives.
