Ramblings


I found Memorial Day to be an odd holiday. It made me homesick for small town charm; old men n' women proudly marching through town, while a sea of bystanders wearing red, white and blue. Then you see a child crying, his joy, a balloon is  floating towards the heavens, as a grandmother scolds be quiet.  I missed the quiet reflection of the true meaning of the holiday; a day to  remember and honor those who have lost their lives serving their country. Later it became a holiday were we remember both; those who had served and our lost loved ones.  In my world yesterday, it was Happy Memorial Day, it is the beginning of summer, it felt odd, no parade, no stones to put flowers on. I guess I could of gone and put them on strangers. It just felt weird. We as a family did have a cookout;  I guess unofficially boating season has begun, first cook out of the season, school is almost out????   Unofficially it is the first weekend of summer?!  Where I am from, (Maine), you might BBQ, but summer if you are lucky shows up the end of June, first of July.  Summer did arrive yesterday, it felt like July. It was 93 and scorching hot. Officially, it was movie marathon day; my husband watched war movies and yelled at the TV.   I'm not blaming anyone, I caught myself say Happy Memorial Day and then wondered, when did that begin?! When did happy attach itself to this holiday?  I do think there is room for both; I do believe we need to reflect on those who have sacrificed so much, for so many. I don't need a special day to remember loved ones lost; I do it at random, like most of you probably do.

My daughter will be out of school today; I'm in shock. I am happy for her, she doesn't have to take any exams.  It is too soon; it is usually the second week in June when school is over. It feels odd to me. Most of her friends won't be out, so she will have the potential to be bored. I have outings planned, but I can hear the groans now. I don't want to ride my bike to the Dismal Swamp, I don't want to go _____, can I have so n' so over later on. Is this a joke on me, have a child home when hardly anyone else is off...augh!  She does have to study for her permit and will nag the daylights out of me to take her driving. We can't, tell your Dad comes home. The vehicle in the yard is a truck; she isn't going to drive the beast. It is huge, a Silverado with a cap on the back.  Every evening I can be tortured some more.  She is easy going and usually easy to please, but I'm not ready for any of this...

I do have a happy post; later today~

Comments

Hilary said…
Hi Ella .. you've said it all - that right mix of emotions when all is too much .. I guess another hurdle for Mum to overcome ..

My thoughts - Hilary
Good luck dealing with your daughter for a few days.
Sherry Blue Sky said…
I love this slice of your life. When I look back, those years with the kids at home were the most vital, happy , busy years. Enjoy them - soon she will be out of school for good and off trying her wings and you will remember these years with so much nostalgia! You might try instituting a Tea Time in the afternoon, just you and her. I used to so love that with my grandma! And once my mom did it and I still remember it - brown sugar on toast, what a treat!
shelly said…
Smiles and hugs.
Mary said…
Rambling is sometimes good. Catharctic (sp). And summer always brings its expected and unexpected rewards.
Ella said…
Thank you EVERYONE; she is a great kid and I really have no complaint! I'm proud of her for doing so well in school. We will be fine! She is happy to be home and I'm happy to have her. I have home spa plans, tea parties, sleep overs, bike trips, a camping outing, and trying to get her to craft with me or maybe some sewing. Morning bike rides, going downtown and photography, check out some local museums... I guess time just flew; It will be nice to have her home~ Thank you all for your sweet comments~

Driving will be a gradual process; I am patient most of the time ;-D
Jules said…
I don't know where the happy came from but I'm guilty. To me it is a happy for what we have thanks to those we honor.

And if she doesn't want to do any of that can I? :)
Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow
Ella said…
Jules-I would love for you to come walk or ride the nature trail near the swamp. The Welcome Center has a gift shop(this must be where "I survived the Dismal Swamp" T-shirts exist)! ;-D I am guilty, too. It just me wonder; I agree we need to be grateful for what we have. I like your view :D
Hart Johnson said…
I have that same bittersweet Memorial Day thing with my family across the country. It was a family event, going to the cemetary, decorating with flowers. Sad, in a lot of ways, but now I really miss the ritual of it. How silly is that? to miss doing something sad. Though I guess even here I sort of dig graveyards. It is the storyteller in me, maybe. Hope your daughter doesn't make you crazy before her friends are liberated too!
Ella said…
Thanks Hart; it is the ritual, showing respect for those lost. It was a day my kids and nephews heard about the crazy antics of Aunt or Uncle so n' so. Remember when... I think it is part of growing up. I don't think my kids will remember, when we did this in Maine. Yes, we still had the cookout, but shared a day of memories. A holiday of remembrance, respect and reflection. Graveyards are quiet; Thanks for sharing! xXx