“So long as the memory of certain beloved friends lives in my heart, I shall say that life is good.” - Helen Keller

Today, as we celebrate the Memorial Day holiday, isn’t one of my “Last 100 Mondays” at work.  As such, I’m not posting a blog entry about my career. Instead, I’ll write a few words about remembering.

As most of you will know, the official purpose of the federal Memorial Day is remembering the people who died while serving in the United State's armed forces. The holiday was first celebrated as Decoration Day and people began observing it after the Civil War to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in that conflict. In my family, and many others around me as I grew up in the Midwest, this day was also informally one when we remembered family members who had passed away. I can remember going to the cemeteries where they were laid to rest to visit their graves and to leave flowers.

Today, I am especially remembering the friends I lost who served in Vietnam. These young men were older than I am and I remember how they left to fight in a war that would claim their young lives. I never served in the military, and I think of them, and all the others who have lost their lives in our wars, and I appreciate their service.  I am also filled with gratitude as I think of my father, who served in the Korean conflict, and my uncles and father-in-law who served in the Second World War. I am grateful for their service and especially thankful that they lived to be part of my life and to help shape the man I am today. I think of my mentor and co-workers who served in Vietnam and I am grateful they came home safely and glad to have learned so much from them.

In keeping with my family’s other Memorial Day traditions, I am remembering my mother, my grandparents, my mother and father-in-law and friends who have passed away. My memories of them are happy ones and I am lucky to have grown up around such loving family and friends. My mother was wonderful and her loving care, and acceptance, had so much to do with helping me find out who I am and what matters most in my life. My grandparents were loving and each brought something special to helping me learn and grow. My in-laws accepted me like another son and I’ll always be grateful for that. My friends who have passed on welcomed me into their lives and made my life so much richer for sharing theirs with me.

I also remember today the precious loved ones who share their lives with me now. I think it is important to remember, and honor, today what a difference they make in my life and to tell them how much they mean to me while I have the chance. There is something special in the power of our intentions. By intentionally remembering, and sharing, the good times and the times that matter most with those who are in our lives today we honor them, fill our lives with love and joy, and help pass on to our children and grandchildren life’s most important lessons. In the end, it will be the joy, strength, vulnerability, closeness, commitment, fun, respect, and love we shared that matters most. When the day comes that I am just a memory, I hope it will be these things my loved ones most remember.