Remembrance

Remembrance Day has always been an important day in my family. Not only is my Dad very patriotic and has had family in war, it was also my Grandparents Anniversary. I grew up in a small town and it was always a big deal. The cadets (which I belonged to believe it or not!!!) would do their thing- the marching, the sound of boots on the pavement, the calls, the flags, the guns.  The moment of silence, the somber feel in the crowd, the quiet words. The emotion. The tears from the people who have lost.

And then the fun. The Legion was the place to be. I remember the darkness in the legion, the smokey air, and the hokey old music. My grandpa and grama were very well known and we would have to push two or three tables together so all our friends and family could sit with us. I always tried to sit next to my grampa. He'd give me an occasional sip of his beer. :) I'd sit and watch him and my grama- holding hands. Back then I thought it was cute, but now that thought brings a lump to my throat. Their love was so strong, so pure.  My grama has been gone for a few years and I miss her incredibley so. She was the rock in my family. The glue that kept my mother together, and our family whole. Without her it has never been quite the same. It is still hard, and we still miss her, especially on days that once were so special, so exciting, full of warmth, laughter and fun. Every year they would share a dance. In the spotlight no less. My grampa would get a sparkle in his eye and try to embarass my grama by pinching her butt. She always caught him before he could- but it didn't stop him from trying.  We would sit in that legion for hours- visiting, playing cards, the adults drinking, the kids eating and running around. I miss those times. Its such a waste of our best years when we're kids and don't realise what we've got. I want to live down the street from grandparents again. Be able to pop in for a visit after school. Help my grama peel potatoes, or go out and visit my grampa in his shop. We don't appreciate that when we're kids. Now I'd do just about anything for that.

My grampa lives in Winnipeg now, and I only see him a few times a year. I called him today, just to let him know that I'm thinking of him. There are only a few times a year that I get this emotional about my family. Holiday are the worst. It's most noticeable when you're supposed to be with the ones you love. I cherish the memories though- and will always remember.