Memorial Day

Ariana Durling

“I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees.”  ~ Henry David Thoreau

My morning walk took me across the open field to stand at the edge of the woods. As the sun shone down brightly into the moist grasses, it looked as if the whole area was covered in the thinnest layer of crystal. The light was dancing as the drops would fall and fracture the rays. Delicate webs otherwise invisible were now conspicuous and vulnerable. The green was bright and radiant, a trace of fog still apparent but losing to the warmth. No wind was present and it seemed like Mother Earth was at the end of a long, deep, much needed exhalation.  The air was filled with bird songs from all directions, but the most obvious sound of all was the ground itself. The earth was drinking, and I could hear her gulps as the water was seeping and flowing into her cracks.  Through the trees a few rays were piercing the inner sanctum of the woodlands. Just sunrise for those inhabitants, it felt as sleep was still among them.

My meditation took me to my daily prayers of thanks. Today I focused on those who ensured I could enjoy mornings like this. And quietly I told each and every soul that had passed into the everlasting realm how much I appreciated their sacrifices. It took a bit of time as I know the numbers are 1 million plus….. But know we as a people are grateful. We remember. We hug your loved ones and continue on in our lives, but we love you and we know how lucky we are. God bless all those souls who ended the watch in the name of their country. 

Originally posted May 27, 2019 on Facebook for Memorial Day. It seemed to ring pertinent this year also.