Well, another "first" is behind us. Memorial Day 2013. Once again, this was a rough day, which was frustrating at first because I feel like I should be getting used to these days. But, the more I thought about it, the more I realized this was a "first". I needed to let myself figure this day out just like all the other holidays/ anniversaries. 

I figured out earlier this weekend that there were going to be some new emotions this weekend. People started posting about all their loved ones they were remembering and I guess my feelings were raw from that first post. The subject was so "in your face" and I felt like I couldn't escape it. I was also overcome with feelings of sympathy for every picture I saw of someone' loved-one.  There were so many people who had suffered...and these thoughts continued with me throughout this day as well. 

I was especially struck by the sheer number of flowers in the cemetery today.  For some reason, it just seemed like way more than I remember seeing on this day in years past.  I decided it was because I have been to the cemetery more often this year NOT on Memorial Day and I recognize the huge difference.  I was also struck by it because I knew that each placement of a flower meant there was someone out there that was thinking/missing the person they were honoring with the flowers.  I couldn't help but think of the vastness of sorrow and grief that this world endures.