It was a beautiful day today, so I took advantage of the opportunity and decided to go to the cemetery. I remembered that you could start putting artificial flowers on the sites starting December 1. I went to the craft store and perused the different single stemmed flowers. I don’t feel I have the talent to arrange flowers, so I kept walking down the aisles. Then I came across the Christmas decorations. There were several options of flowers that were in bunches. I chose some greens with festive decorations, a bunch of red poinsettias, and a bunch of white poinsettias. When I arrived at the cemetery, there was a group of people who had arrived for a funeral. I remembered being in that space with both my parents. I went into the building and got a flag to place at the graveside as well. I took my time getting everything arranged just so. At one point I heard the rifles shooting their salute to the recently deceased. My thoughts went right back to my dad’s funeral, including the intense moment when my mom was handed the American flag. Once I had placed the flowers and the flag, I sat down facing the engraved side that had my mom’s information which included, “Forever in our hearts.” This statement was so true. After sitting, praying, crying, and talking for a while, I went around the other side of the stone and sat down facing my dad’s information and repeated the process. It was difficult and sad. At the same time, my heart swelled as I remembered their love for life, for one another, and for their family. I was glad I went and brought the Christmas flowers to brighten the atmosphere, to honor them, and to include them in the season.

I Found God today actively remembering my parents.