To some, Memorial Day is simply a federal holiday that gives them a day off work. To me, it is much more. Webster's Dictionary defines the word memorial as serving to preserve remembrance, which is just what this day does for me.
Memorial Day, more than any other holiday, was about being with family. Each year since before I can remember, all the family on my mom's side would pile into their cars and head to Payson, UT. It was a must that we get there early enough to see the Payson City Parade which went right past Grandma Dixon's house for years. Each and every cousin would line up on the curb to watch the floats, classic cars, and bagpipe bands go by while waiting hopefully for candy to be thrown our way.
Once the parade concluded we all made our way back to Grandma's front yard where lawn chairs and blankets were set out and a long tables was being piled high with food- including grandma's famous homemade pickles. Soon, one of the uncles would whistle loudly over the noise, drawing the crowd's attention. A blessing would be offered then the day of eating, relaxing, and mingling began.
Each year was the same, the boys always ended up in the backyard playing football, the girls sat on blankets talking and passing the babies around, the moms gathered together to talk, and the dads...well they each found a spot to lie down for a nap. You could walk into just about any room and find one uncle or another stretch
ed out on the floor sleeping.
At some point we always took a trip to the Payson City Cemetery were many family members are buried. Flowers were placed on the headstone of my Grandfather, Douglass Dixon. We always brought peoni's from our yard. Next came a rather strange tradition. At this point my de
ar sweet Grandma would smile, lay down in the grass, cross her hands over her chest, and pleasantly state that this was where she would some day be buried. I am not sure when this started but I remember it happening on more than one occasion. Oh Grandma! She never was afraid to die.
Grandma Dixon was always in perfect health and in the eyes of her grandchildren she was going to live forever. But she didn't. On the morning of O
ctober 22, 2009, at the age of 93, she passed away. I miss her! I miss her A LOT!!! We all do. But we will see her again some day- of this there is no doubt. But on days like this, I can't help but wish things were back to how they used to be. I want more than anything to be laying on a blanket on the front lawn of her home in Payson with all my family. Memorial Day.... yes! there is no doubt- I am preserving memories!!
the bottom is the view from the deck out onto the lake. We are down here on and off this summer. This time for about two weeks. Different families will be coming to visit during that time which is fun.
