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Monday, May 16, 2011

Special People to Remember


I lost my father as a child, and so Memorial Day became bigger in my consciousness than it might have otherwise. There were a few factors working, I suppose. My family still has a small New Mexico village cemetary in which generations have been buried. My father's father, grandparents, great aunts and uncles, and many villagers are named in the hand hewn stone markers of the prairie plots that line the hillside outside the town.





On Memorial Day through the years that my father lingered in illness, we would ceremoniously gather thorny vining roses in every color from our garden walls, place them in tin cans, and make the pilgrimage to our ancestral land not far from the city, where we would reverently place each one.





The practice continued with my own young family as each Memorial Day, usually with cousins in tow, we would make the short journey to the village where my father was born, and where he lies, and then on to our annual visit to the mountain streams and caves for an outing. Family heritage was a prominent feature of our lives.


   

Our children are now grown, and one by one over time have moved their families to the four corners of the country. Not that long ago summers were full of croquet, noisy yard parties, and endless celebrations with too many people, really, beginning with Memorial Day.





Today when I swept the porch, replaced the furniture covers, and snipped a few thorny roses I thought about all these special people to remember. Those gone, and those just far away. I need a personal secretary to help me remember so many important occasions!  But I don't think I'm going to get one any time soon. :0)





I inherited my rose bushes with the house, so I don't know their names, but these varieties have incredible fragrance. We don't have many, but they have done well this year.





Roses coming and going on my tea table today starting with this Spode cup. Enjoy the details. . . .





































I'm so glad to be on the porch again!

 Thanks for stopping by to see me!

I hope you have a wonderful week ahead.
Ciao! for now!

Jacqueline









26 comments:

  1. I am sad that you lost you dad at such a young age, but love this story of remembering and honoring those in your family that have gone on before you.

    Fondly,
    Glenda

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  2. Such a sweet post! So nice to remember those that are no longer with us. Your roses are beautiful. :)

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  3. Poignant and beautiful post, Jacqueline.

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  4. Big Hugs as you remember your Family... take care.

    Wanda

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  5. I think you remember them by living well.

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  6. I lost my father when I was young too (he was a veteran as well). Memorial day is a big deal at my house.

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  7. Jacqueline ~ how poignant and how sweet the story of how you honour the lost ones you love ~ lovely pictures as well ;-)

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  8. Lovely post. My mother, daughter, granddaughters and I visit graves of past generations traditionally every Memorial Day. We remember those gone and share stories to help keep their memory alive and make new memories in the process. Connie

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  9. What a lovely reminder that we should not forget those who have gone on. Maybe this Memorial Day I'll travel around to all the different cemeteries and place flowers on long forgotten graves. Something I've been planning for a couple of years now.

    Your post also made me sad. Sad that you lost your dad so young and sad that your kids too many miles away. Mine aren't close either. My son is a day's drive away and my daughter is 75 miles. Just not quite close enough.

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  10. Beautiful memories & heart felt loving write, Jacqueline.

    Have a beautiful eve
    TTFN ~
    Hugs,
    Marydon

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  11. What a beautiful post and sweet memories. Thanks for sharing Jacqueline. Blessings, Pamela

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  12. Oh Jacqueline Sweetie...
    What a gorgeous post today. I loved reading about your sweet Daddy, your memories of family from the past, and family that moved to the 4 corners of the globe. The most wonderful part, you can still see the beauty of everyone going with the roses to the cemetery and you can still hear the laughter of family. Priceless, family is absolutely priceless.

    Your write beautifully. I felt as though I was there. I too remember taking roses from Grandma's garden to many of her relatives at the cemetery. It was very important to her. Now my sweet Momma makes the rounds. I so wish I was not so far away and could be there as well.

    Thank you for sharing your memories sweetie. Have a wonderful week. I will be thinking of you especially this Memorial Day. Many hugs and much love, Sherry

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  13. I, too, loved my Father dearly. He was a warm, sweet loving man. I loved hearing about your family and your traditions. I've lived all my married life away from family...but everyone was spread out over the country. It would have been difficult if we had to make the decision of which relative to live by. But that decision was not an option. Your tablescape is just lovely and the Spode teacup is beautiful!

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  14. Beautiful post. I love that your remembering your family that have gone to our Lord's home before us, specially your dad who went so early in your life. I love the way you write, it's so lovely, it makes you feel like you are there! I do remember going to the cemetery with flowers for my dad too, 15 years ago that he died and there's not one day I still remember him and think how he would love this and that! Gorgeous tea cup and table too. Thank you for sharing this lovely post with us.
    Hugs
    FABBY

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  15. Peonies at the cemetery for us....

    Love the roses and I always like to put mine in vintage pitchers too.

    remembering is a good thing...

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  16. Beautiful roses, china and what wonderful family traditions and memories.

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  17. Hi J,
    I am so sorry you lost your father as a girl. The traditions you inherited are beautful, as are the lovely roses you inherited with the house. You are so lucky to have these traditions, so many don't (me included).
    Thanks for the lovely share :-)
    Hugs,
    Bella

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  18. What a beautiful post...a little sad though too. How terrible that you lost your father at a young age. It sounds like you have some wonderful traditions to remember though :)

    Your roses and your tea cup are so pretty.

    ~tricia

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  19. What a very lovely post and what a beautiful way of rememberance :) x

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  20. Lovely post, thank you for sharing. The china is beautiful!

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  21. This post really touched me, thank you.

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  22. A heart warming post sharing your family traditions. Your tea table is lovely.

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  23. Such a beautiful post and what wonderful memories and traditions. Love your beautiful rose china and your display. Thanks so much for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty

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  24. dear Jacqui, it seems we do have something in common! I have the same spode teacup and johnson brothers pitcher like yours! and aren't they beautiful! love love them all!.. have a great day!
    xo
    fitty

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  25. Such a sweet post. Love your pictures. Blessings Always

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  26. What a beautiful and touching story of your days of youth. I love all the eye candy roses you showed off. Gorgeous.

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