It’s Memorial Day weekend and that got me to thinking about those loved ones who are no longer with me. I know I should be thinking of all the military men and women who have given their lives for their country and for the ones who are still in harm’s way…and I do keep them in my thoughts and prayers but right now I can’t help thinking about those who’ve passed on.

I thought this would be a good time to take a few moments to pay tribute to those we’ve loved and lost.

I’ll start first:

My father-in-law. He died when he was only fifty-one after a three year battle with leukemia. He was a great guy, very funny and personable, loved to draw characatures of people on restaurant place mats. Everyone loved Roger.

My father. He was the kind of guy who got down on the floor and played games with me when I was a child. A man who drove a whole carload of girls to out-of-town sporting events. A quiet gentle man with a deep love for animals and the environment.

My mother. My best friend. She was a woman who knew what she wanted and wasn’t about to let anything get in her way. A woman who was a good friend to many. She made me feel special and important and most of all, loved.

My aunt. My mother’s sister. She did her best to keep the family events going. A sweet person who could always find the silver lining in any situation.

There are other relatives I could name but none that really mattered to me. I’m sure you know how it is…you’re related by blood but you really don’t know each other. Sad but true.

Who do you miss? Whose graves will you visit? Whose memories will sneak into your thoughts this holiday weekend?

Take a moment to share a few thoughts about them here and, in doing so, pay your respects.