Every memorial day since Rhett was born I have made it a tradition to take balloons up to my mom. Each child gets to choose a color, what ever color - and this year I made way cute tags for the balloons (if I do say so myself).
For those who know me the grave is not necessarily where I go to, well... remember her. But, I do want my children to know where her body is, and along with that - celebrate my knowledge (hopefully some day their knowledge) of the afterlife. I also want them to be excited about what I know to be true; and sending balloons for when we have that great reunion party is my way of remembering and teaching.
This year we started a new tradition that I hope will continue; each child and Aaron asked me a question about Nana. Right now it was about her favorite colors, foods, and things to do. I tell them how I remember it. If the answer is right or wrong is not what I worry about - I really just want them to know her like I know her, and feel like they can ask the questions they may have in the future about her. My hope is that this will connect them to the amazing woman who is waiting to hold them on her lap.
The question thing is such a good idea. I don't feel like I know that much about my Grandma miller since she died before I was born. I will have to start asking my dad questions.
ReplyDeleteI miss Memorial day out here. I love visiting my family that has passed and telling the kids about them. I love seeing the place covered in flowers.
Nobody goes to the cemetary here. They have one vase of fake flowers year round on the grave. All cemetarys are on a church's property too. It is so different to me.