We have been getting together with Aunt Vick and Uncle Dennis on Memorial Day for several years now. I love it! I always think, "I need to remember these dear ones more." I love the idea of getting together with family to celebrate family and to remember. There are little headstones that make me sad, there are markers for people I remember and for some that I don't. Some weren't perfect, some were (those babies that were here for so short a time). I'm grateful to have been raised to turn my heart and be grateful for those who have come before. They made my life possible.
I can't remember the date of a short but wonderful Taylor family reunion that was also held this summer, but Sloan Taylor (one of Dad's cousins - the reunion was held at his house) said something that has had ripple thoughts. He thanked everyone for coming and how they should have been doing a Taylor reunion much soon, but at least we were starting now. Then he got choked up as he said something to the effect of, "... because we have Taylor blood running through us, and that is something to celebrate!." I felt a deep sense of gratitude for my ancestors. And then I look over at Matt who was wrangling some of the Littles and had a distinct impression that they have that blood running through them AND the blood of all those Cornishes/Simmons. So through my children I felt a real connection and gratitude for Matt and his ancestors. I am connected to them. It was a sweet experience.
So here we are at another Memorial Day beginning at the American Fork cemetery. Jordan, Grandma, Grandma Blue, and two little babies of Aunt Vick's are all buried here. We brought flowers, hugged cousins as they arrived, marveled at how everyone has grown, and then gathered for a prayer and some thoughts on the plan of salvation. Last year we were all delighted to see/hear a bagpiper playing close by and were doubly-delighted to find out we're related (he descends from one of AF Macdonald's other wives). The same piper was here this year and mom convinced him to come over and play a song for us. It was beautiful.
After the chatting at the cemetery we all go over to Aunt Vick and Uncle Dennis's home and enjoy their amazing backyard and some J-Dawgs. There is a lot of chatting and laughing and tree climbing and the ever popular candy cannon.
During the candy cannon portion I'd had my eyes mostly on Oliver because Kate and Daniel had cousins that were assisting them in the festivities. But I loved watching them when the candy came showering down so I looked for them both at that moment. After the first round I saw Daniel standing toward the back with his hands over his ears trying to hold his bag under his arm at the same time. He's a little sensitive to loud sounds and the boom of the cannon was scaring him. I went over to talk to him and he explained that it was "scarwy" when the cannon went off. I told him I'd stand with him and he took my hand but held it up to his ear, still trying to cover them in preparation for the next boom. He's such a sweet boy. Emily came over and talked to him as well and asked how he was doing and listened to him explain. He didn't want to miss out on the treats so he was going to try and be brave.
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