I just celebrated my 54th birthday. As a rule, I don’t do much. I might hang out with one of my sons and have a pleasant dinner. I wanted to do something different this year. As a child, I had a close relationship with my paternal grandparents. They were always there for me and we did a lot together. I lost my grandfather in 1998 and then my grandmother in 2015.
They are both buried at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Lebanon County Pennsylvania. It’s a beautiful cemetery. My grandmother’s funeral was the last time I had been there. I spent my birthday with family in Pennsylvania. My aunt and I visited and placed flowers on my grandparents’ grave. As part of my tribute, I also wanted to sprinkle some ashes from my late father on their grave.
Despite the fact that my grandparents and father are deceased, I somehow knew they were present in spirit.
My favorite part of the visit was spending time with my aunt (my father’s sister). In order to visit our relatives, she traveled up from Florida. Unfortunately, I don’t get to see her often since she lives in Florida. Throughout my life, we have had a close relationship. While visiting cousins we hadn’t seen for years, we learned that one of them lives in a house built in 1760. It has been the home of several generations of our family.
Additionally, we visited the home where my grandparents lived. That house held so many great memories for my aunt and me. While I was a teenager, I spent the summer of 1983 with my grandparents. This was the first time I had seen the house since my grandmother passed away. We parked and looked at the house. The new owner has done a great job remodeling the house and has made many changes. That house is now home to a new family that I hope will make many great memories.
On Saturday, I spent time with my cousins taking photographs, eating, and watching college football. It was difficult saying goodbye to them as I don’t know when I will see them again.
The drive home was filled with a lot of memories and reflections on the past when my grandparents, father, and other relatives were still alive. There are so many memories of family outings, cookouts, fishing trips, and hours spent having fun at the dinner table or in various restaurants with family, just enjoying life and having fun.
During my drive home, one of my childhood friends called me. I had a great conversation with her on the drive home, and it made my long drive home more enjoyable. As you read this, I want to remind you that life is fragile and tomorrow isn’t promised. Eventually, all that you will have left of your family and friends will be old photographs, videos, and the memories you hold in your heart. There is always a sense that we have plenty of time to visit our parents, cousins, and friends.
We tell ourselves we will get together someday. Unfortunately, that day never arrives. I understand that you are busy, but if you want to keep in touch with your loved ones, you need to make an effort. If not, you will be saying goodbye to them at their funerals.
Marc is a longtime resident of Clermont County and an avid reader. Contact him through his website at www.themarcabe.com. Marc also has a podcast called Catch my Killer where he interviews family members seeking justice for their murdered loved ones. You can listen at www.catchmykiller.com.