Memorial Day 2008

For Memorial Day this year, Jake & I invited my nieces and nephew over for dinner on Sunday and to go see my Mom and Dad's, Beth's (my sister), and my Grandma and Grandpa Frost's headstones. Brandon, Jessica, Tara and Jason (Tara's boyfriend) came over at about 5:30 on Sunday afternoon and ate dinner and played with the kids. We piled into the cars and then drove over to the Spanish Fork cemetery. In years past I have always gone to the cemetery and placed flowers on Dad's, Beth's, and Grandma & Grandpa's headstones. My mom taught Janice & I how important it was to remember those who have gone before us and to also honor men and women, such as Dad, who honorably served their country. Every year she would take us to the cemetery and place beautiful flowers on headstones and tell us stories of Dad. She had a hard time talking about Beth because of the terrible guilt she felt in regards to her. Mom always placed French lilacs from her home in Spanish Fork in glass jars for Beth and Dad. Even when Mom was in an incredible amount of pain last year and hospitalized in Pioneer Valley Hospital, she specifically asked me to make sure that flowers were placed for her parents, husband, and daughter. She had been told only a few days earlier that there was nothing the doctors could do for her except provide her with morphine for the pain. Last year only a military headstone showed where Dad was buried. This year a large, new stone had been placed in remembrance of both Mom & Dad. We visited with Heidi's kids and told stories of Mom. Visiting the cemetery gave me a feeling of peace knowing that we'll see Mom and Dad again.

Nathan patiently watching us. He is such a sweet boy!

Elisabeth picked up Grandpa Larson's (and a few other flags) to wave proudly!

Elisabeth loves HER Brandon as she calls him. Brandon is so good about playing with Elisabeth!

Jason, Jessica, Tara, Brandon, Nathan & Elisabeth at Mom & Dad's headstone.

Elisabeth and Nathan at Mom & Dad's headstone. I wish Mom could have known Nathan. Elisabeth always asks about Grandma Larson. She couldn't understand the concept that Grandma lives with Jesus and yet her body is under the ground. Maybe next year we can explain it better!

A close up picture of Mom & Dad's headstone.

This is the back of the headstone. Its a little freaky seeing your own name on a headstone and knowing that you are next in line.

Grandma & Grandpa Frost's headstone. It is located on the next corner from my parents.

I appreciate the tradition that Mom taught us and will continue to celebrate Memorial Day as was intended; remembering loved ones and honoring military men and women.