Memorial Day

This weekend is Memorial Day, where Americans remember those who have passed on.  This year has already been a great few days centering around this day.  On Thursday my family and I got the chance to go to Salt Lake to see several of my ancestor's graves.

We visited my grandma's parents, aunts and uncles graves.  We found of from my grandma the reason why they are buried where they are.  We are keeping track of how to best find each grave, so we can show our kids these graves.

We went to Hyrum, where Cathy's grandpa's parents and some siblings are buried.  Her mom told us about an uncle, who had a very adventurous life.  We went to Hyde Park, where our common ancestor's are buried.  Cathy and I are 4th cousins.  We found the grave of Karlo, who Cathy knew from Scout Camp.  We found my grandfather's parents, and his siblings graves.

Tomorrow, we will go and see even more graves.  It is an exciting time, as both Cathy and I want to learn more about our relatives.  This is a fairly new development, as I haven't been all that enthusiastic about genealogy in years past.  But now, I am.

I have been thinking about why this is.  Is it because I am older, and more mature?  Could it be because some of those I love are getting older?  I realize that grandparents and parents must die sometime.  Luckily, the closest person I have had die to me are two great grandma's.  I have my grandparents and parents still living.

I think it is hitting home that this life really is short.  I won't be here forever, and I want leave a mark during my life.  I want to make a difference.  If I can help a few people become better, I will be so happy.  I am sure all of these people, whose graves I have seen recently, were the same.  They wanted to be happy, and make the world a better place.  Marking graves is a way people can remember those who made a mark on their lives.

I have seen several variations of a picture that brings this point home.  The picture is of a cemetery, with a woman in front of the grave, with a baby in a carrier.  A caption underneath says something like: "In case you thought Memorial Day is National Barbecue Day."  The purpose of this picture is to remind us that tomorrow is a time for family and friends, but also remembering those who have made an impact during their lives.