This morning I reminded my mom that is was Memorial Day. I asked if there was anything special we should do. She said no. At this point, my mom doesn’t really remember that my dad has passed away, which is both difficult and a blessing. We had a caregiver over this afternoon, so my sister and I took the opportunity to go to the national cemetery where my dad is buried. We were welcomed by large flags lining the entrance road. Volunteers from our Hospice organization had placed flags on all 4000 graves and the whole place looked very reverent as well as patriotic. There were many people there, but we managed to find a parking space close enough to my dad’s grave. We were lucky that a very nice woman gave us a flower vase that she had just emptied as there were no more in the container. When we arrived at the site, we placed our red, white, and blue flowers next to the flag. Once we settled, I looked around at all the other people. A group not too far from us was praying the rosary. A woman was collecting empty flower containers and stopped to chat when she came by. We shared stories, condolences, and a hug. Another woman with 2 young men came by and were placing pennies on the headstones. I asked about what they were doing. She explained the significance of the action. A penny left on a headstone can let the family of a deceased soldier know that someone has stopped by to pay their respects.
A nickel can signify that the visitor served with the deceased at boot camp. A dime can mean that the visitor served with the deceased in some capacity. A quarter can indicate that the visitor was with the soldier when they were killed. The woman said that they had been doing this since the cemetery opened 4 years ago. She also said that the monies will be collected and go to the cemetery funds. A little later, 2 women were looking for a certain gravesite. They had the information, but didn’t know how to use it. My sister pointed out the numbers on the backs of the headstones, which helped them to find their loved one. When we were ready to leave, my sister and I prayed for my dad, all who were buried there, all military who have died and their families. It was a somber, moving experience. I felt connected to every person there.

I Found God today remembering my dad and connecting with others who were also grieving.