Holiday Reminders

[BabyPoppy]

May is always a difficult month for me.

It's the end of the school year and as a teacher, it means saying good-bye to my students. I know it sounds a little silly, but I spend 4 - 5 days a week with those tiny humans and I learn about their families, and pets and homes and celebrations and things their parents don't want shared. I love them so much, and I have to let them go. I send everything home, and shred anything left over. It's heartbreaking.  (This year I did not get to say good-bye as I have not been in the classroom).

The same week we say good-bye to preschool, we have a huge weeklong celebration in our community Tulip Festival, that celebrates our Dutch culture. It's a beautiful way to celebrate the community and people come from around the world, but it's emotionally and physically draining. 

Then comes Memorial Day. My family has always celebrated this as far back as I can remember. I'm a member of the American Legion Axillary, a women's group who supports soldiers and their families. It is our honor to help plan the services for Memorial Day and support both our Veterans and active duty personal throughout the year. 

I remember walking with my family when we presented the flag for my grandpa after he passed away over 20 years ago and just last year, we presented the flag for my uncle. Both men were father figures in my life, and it was an honor to be part of their ceremonies. This year will be challenging to be there and know that they are not with us anymore. I miss them so much.  I will keep the tradition going and I have the ingredients for the cool whip cake with berries... but it's not the same. I miss them, the steady rocks, my harbor in the storm, the men who loved me even at my worst, even when I was an ignorant teenager lol they simply accepted me. 

Sometimes it's not the bad stuff that's difficult, but the good stuff. The good memories hurt more than the bad sometimes. I want to go back and watch one more baseball game with Grandpa in the announcer's booth. Or go golfing one more time with my Uncle, even though I never keep my head down. Or make super and set the table with the women while they both grill out back with my brothers. It was the simple things that made me who I am today. 

With both joy and sorrow, 

Poppy