Memorial Day

When I think of Memorial Day it usually involves Camping, BBQ's, and family get-togethers. One thing that I do think about, but never really do much about, is actually remembering those who have passed before us. Obviously, I know that this is what Memorial Day is. And when I was younger, Dad would drag me along to visit family member's grave sites all over in southern Utah to pull weeds and replace sun rotted silk flowers for new ones. But I never really appreciated what we were doing. This last Sunday I had the opportunity to do just that with Dave's family. We drove to the Pine Valley Graveyard and cleaned, raked, shoveled, pulled the family's plots clean. We worked around Lori's parents, sister's, grandparents, and further back the family tree. It was fun hearing more about the people we were doing this for and how we were related. I found out how Dave is related to Jake by the way. Then we placed new flowers around and stood and visited for a while. Then we went to St. George to do the same. We put new flowers all around for both Dave's parents family members. I only wish I knew where my family lay to do the same. It was fun wandering through the headstones looking for lost love ones only to be over joyed when we finally did. Some we never found, but I'm sure we will be back soon. I was amazed at all the other families there visiting with friends all standing among other family and friends (listening, I'm sure) involving them like they were right there, talking about family trees and swapping funny grandpa stories. (I'm sure I have some of those that would put other stories to shame. :) ) I noticed some families brought picnics and blankets in huge gatherings among their family's graves spending the day with them. It was a fun day and I wish I was more appreciative of helping out when I was younger. But even though I may not have realized the service I was helping with then, I certainly do now.

Here is Chloe helping Grandpa on Great-Grandpa and Great-Grandma Bracken's grave.
Beautiful Day in Pine Valley.This is how David is related to Jake's family. Don't ask me the details, I don't know, but I do know this is Dave's Great-Great-Grandparents, and they have two son's. One line Dave came through, and the other Jake's family came through. Chloe the dog was helping dig.