Hi everyone! I hope you all had a nice Memorial Day weekend. We spent almost the whole time cleaning our old apartment, but I also scored a few fabulous finds on Craigslist for the new place (and I might add, that in order to avert the almighty “craigslist killer,” I singlehandedly carried my old kitchen table down the stairs out onto the street! Very proud of myself!)


It can be easy to forget what Memorial Day is all about. With barbecues, parties, and the day off of work, sometimes I almost miss the point. I also think, however, that for me it is a reminder to consider those loved ones of my own that are no longer living. How do I do this? 


Well, sounds like time for a list!


Meri’s Rememberies


1. Celebrate the loved one. Much like Dia de los Muertos, I like to have a celebration in honor of people I have lost. My uncle passed away on May 5th years back, and now I like to inject a little “cinco de mayo” celebration in his honor. He would have liked it, I think. He was an incredibly fun loving soul! I don’t actually build altars, but I do choose to celebrate in a happy way more than a somber reflection.


2. Photos. I am not sure anyone takes as many pictures as the people in my family do. Long before I was blogging, I had my camera with me most of the time. Looking through these old photographs usually sends memories flooding back to me.

This ain’t even the half of it, people… not even close…

3. Cooking something the person loved. This one is a biggie at holidays- making my grandma Clara’s Christmas Cookie recipe makes me think of her, and its a bonus that its also a tradition that makes me think of my own mama, and she and I can share the memory of her mom.

Christmas Cookies from Clara

4. Talking about the person. Especially the recently departed. Our tendency is to think that it might be insensitive to bring up people that have passed away, but I find it therapeutic to discuss every quirk, habit, memory, and mannerism. I’ve learned a lot about friends and family members from others during chats like these.


5. Quiet time. Spending a little time reflecting makes me appreciate those who have passed on and those that are still with me, reminding me to slow down and enjoy the present.

How do you remember people, whether they have passed away, moved away, or even if you never knew them? Do you think about them more on holidays or do you often stop to think of them during everyday activities?


Meri