In memory...

Today is an opportunity to put aside our everyday and celebrate those who have sacrificed so much for us. I want to publicly thank every soldier in every branch of the military, as well as their families for the sacrifices they make to give us freedom. Those beloved freedoms of speech and religion, as well as every other freedom we enjoy, is possible because of those who are willing to devote their life to defending our country and our beliefs. Thank you.

I've been thinking about my Grandpa a lot lately (possibly because of Memorial Day, but maybe just because). He passed away about 2 months ago, and it's been somewhat of a journey for me going through the grieving process. His death was fairly sudden, but at the same time not much of a surprise. Due to a random visit home I had the opportunity to say good bye to him and that has been a huge comfort to me. After his funeral I had a tough time coming back to school because I didn't want to move on from mourning. I didn't really have a choice but to get over it (which looking back now I know that was the best thing). But every so often I just get sad at the fact that I can't call him or see him when I go home. I haven't had the chance to see his grave since the funeral, and that is especially hard today since that's something you do on Memorial Day.

My grandpa was such an incredible man, someone I can only hope to be like some day. He spent his life in service of others and appreciating all that is beautiful. I owe my love of art, dance, and theater to him. We would have the most incredible discussions about life and everything you could think of. He has always been someone I have wanted to make proud, and I will always want to make proud. I miss his counsel, his physical presence, and his reminders to me of my potential.

I saw a movie not too long ago that I think says it perfectly:

"When King Lear dies in Act V, do you know what Shakespeare has written? He's written "He dies." That's all, nothing more. No fanfare, no metaphor, no brilliant final words. The culmination of the most influential work of dramatic literature is "He dies." It takes Shakespeare, a genius, to come up with "He dies." And yet every time I read those two words, I find myself overwhelmed with dysphoria. And I know it's only natural to be sad, but not because of the words "He dies." but because of the life we saw prior to the words."
--Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium

My grandpa never wanted anyone to make a fuss over him. He passed away quickly with no fanfare. But it's not his death that makes me sad, it's the most incredible life he lead before that. I miss him so much. On this Memorial Day I am thinking of all the past, current, and future veterans, but I'm also thinking of my grandpa. I want to live a life that doesn't take my freedoms for granted, but instead uses those freedoms for living the best life I possibly can, bettering myself and serving others always.

Happy Memorial Day everyone! Please take a moment today to think of and thank our military men and women. We wouldn't have anything without them.