The calendar says just a bit over three weeks until the first day of summer. Not sure that the weather man has gotten that message. We are teased with a bright sunny morning but when I step out on the deck the breeze off the lake is still cold enough to make me head back to the comfort of my blanket and cozy chair. We tried having cocktail hour on the deck the other night and between the down jackets, blankets and heater under the table were able to tell ourselves that we had a good time. The chill didn’t dampen the laughter and raucous conversation as we gathered with our snowbird friends who have returned for the season.
As our friends share about the sun and warm winters they had or the new places they traveled to, I admit there is often a part of me that is jealous. I have dreams of great adventures to faraway places and a bucket list of things left to do in life. I have traveled to Europe a couple of times; Germany, Czech Republic and the Ukraine, both by myself and with Pat. The wonders of those countries and the experience of meeting the people have created memories that I carry with me always. I don’t know what future memories I will create with travel but I do know that the memories of friends gathering around the table on our deck, sharing food and wine and their stories rank high on the list of my favorites.
The busyness around town can be felt and seen as Memorial Day weekend kicks off the real start of summer in Montana: the string of boats and campers crossing the bridge, the flower baskets hung on Main Street and all the bare toes as people kick off their boots and slip on their flip flops. BBQ recipes flood Facebook and kids race to be the first to brave the icy water at the beach.
How many of us really stop and think about the reason for this holiday week end? If we have or had family members who fought in any of our numerous wars and didn’t come home, we are more aware of the meaning of Memorial Day. This is the day that we honor those who didn’t make it home: those who lost their lives in some distant land fighting for our country. If you have ever visited Arlington Cemetery and viewed the acres of crosses or stood and watched the guards at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, it creates a lasting impression.
Freedom isn’t free, it comes at a cost. Let’s not forget those who have paid the price.