Post-Memorial Day Reflections

I'm feeling rather nostalgic and somber on the heels of such an important day of remembrance. Truthfully, I'm sorry to say that I've never really been one to ponder the significance of this particular holiday...it's always been more of a "woo-hoo, only-3-school-days-left, end-of-the-year, last-official-school-holiday" kind of day for me. I didn't anticipate this Memorial Day to be any different from any other, and made plans accordingly. Thus, the majority of my Memorial Day was filled with family, friends, barbecue, and volleyball. However, last night before we fell asleep, Finau and I got to talking, and our conversation forever changed the way I will look at Memorial Day. We had a good talk, not only about those who have passed on, but about what we want to happen when our time on earth is over. And although that conversation was kind of depressing and a little upsetting, it was incredibly thought-provoking, and it really made me grateful for all I have, and inspired me to take a look at how I'm using the time I've been given. I woke up this morning with the remnants of our conversation in my mind, and today I made a list of things that I would want people to remember about me when I'm gone. Let's just say I have a LOT of work to do if I want to make that list a reality. Nevertheless, I've resolved to begin working on my little list of qualities, and one of the characteristics I hope to acquire is gratitude.

So, on this Post-Memorial Day Tuesday, I am first and foremost grateful for those who gave their lives so that my life can be what it is today. I read somewhere (I'm pretty sure Oprah said it, but I can't remember for sure) that if you're a girl and you're born in the United States, even if you're born in the poorest circumstances you're already better off than about 90% of the world's female population. I feel so blessed to be a part of this great nation. Even with all the ups and downs in politics, the economy, and just society in general, I know I am blessed to be here, and I am so humbled by and grateful for the men and women who have given their lives and are still doing so, so that we can live in the "land of the free."

I am also grateful for my parents, and for their role in making me into the person I've become. I'm grateful that my mom taught me kindness by example. I'm grateful that she showed me how to be compassionate and encouraged me to always do the right thing. My dad taught me confidence and made me believe that there was nothing I couldn't do if I was willing to work for it. I'm so thankful that both of my parents taught me to be independent; they showed me how to weigh all the options, but allowed me to make my own choices...what a blessing this tool has been! As I struggle down the road of parenthood with my own son, I often wonder if I am making the right choices -- especially when my parenting techniques differ from those that my parents used with me. The ability to think independently and weigh the pros and cons of different parenting techniques is immensely comforting, and I am grateful that my parents taught me this skill and then trusted me enough to let me develop it.

My "Gratitude List" could go on and on and on, but, alas, it is time for me to actually do some work and my next class is about to start. However, before I end, I want to express my gratitude for eternal families and for the Plan of Salvation. Even though I don't always understand how everything will work out, I've recently acquired a testimony that it WILL work out in the end. I believe that everything happens for a reason. I believe that I have a loving Heavenly Father who watches over me and sees the desires of my heart. I believe that He lifts me up during my times of struggle, and that He will take all the broken pieces of my life and someday make them whole. I believe that He is the fount from which all of the wonderful blessings in my life spring. And for all of this I am truly grateful.