Growing up I always remember Dad taking us up to the cemetery to put flowers on our loved ones graves. We'd always go up to Aunt Gwen's big house that was always covered in purple and smelled...like Aunt Gwen. To this day, I can remember the smell and always think of her when I see something really really purple. Then we'd head down the hill to the cemetery. It was always so fun to hear dad tell stories about people he went to school with or knew in the army, or just the people around.
We always go to where Grandma Laura, Mormor, Morfar, Nana, and Uncle Dale (Aunt Gwen's husband) are buried. I always feel a certain spirit here. It's a special place for me. Even when we're running after kids, or worrying about the headstones moving (it's on a hill, so they move sometimes) or whatever else is going on (Madaline yelling "Daddy! I need to go Potty!" sticks out in particular) there is always a special feeling in my heart at this very special place.
After we hear some stories about the people buried around my grandparents, everyone piles into their respective cars to follow dad on the great McAllister hunt. Dad can't ever quite remember where they are (or if he does, he doesn't show it, and hasn't for as long as I can remember). Dad's grandma was Ellen (Ella) McAllister. It was so fun to sit there on this warm sunny day with everyone that could make it, and listen to Dad and Uncle Dave tell stories about their grandma. Dad told us all the geneology, and stressed how important it was that we all remember where we came from.
While dad was telling us stories, this handsom young man and his family came right to where we were sitting talking about the McAllisters. They asked us how we came to this particular spot, and we did the same. Come to find out this spring chicken is Dad's Grandma Ellen's cousin. It was so neat to be able to meet up with this living part of our geneology just because we were in the right place at the right time.
I especially love the kids. It's so fun to see the older kids just sit and talk like adults, and see the younger ones get to interact with each other. It's fun to listen to the mommies and daddies try to tell their kids why the cemetery is such a special place, even if they don't quite understand, or have the attention span to get it. I really look up to all these great people in my family who are teaching me how to be a great mom when my time comes. It's comforting to know that I have so many great examples.
I'm also greatful to be able to do this with my family. I want to be able to tell my kids the stories about the great people that went on before them,a nd before me. The tales of our pioneer ancestors. It's a great opportunity, and who better to share it, and make memories of it with than my family?
One Husband and One friend's wages for digging, filling, and making it look pretty: 5 cups of lemonade each. (that's all that was left in the cooler)
One Husband and One friend's wages for digging, filling, and making it look pretty: 5 cups of lemonade each. (that's all that was left in the cooler)
