MTC Week #73 - Remembering: Keeping Their Stories Alive

"It is a blessing to have a day for remembering. Surely this ought to include a moment to remember the lives that have been lost as part of the purchase price of our freedom. For some of us it may also include remembering forbearers whose love of freedom led them to leave behind what was familiar to seek a new home for future generations—for our generation. For others it includes remembering those who simply, consistently did the right thing, without fanfare and without wavering."  (Lloyd Newell, Music & the Spoken Word, 05/24/15)

I appreciate Lloyd Newell's message today mainly because it focused on recognizing several important groups of people. While it's very important to think of, and give thanks for, those in the military who have helped to preserve our nation's freedom, it's also important to remember those who simply lived a good life and left a valiant example to follow-- no matter what official job or responsibility they held.

My Grandpa (Stan) Pitt was one of those who simply lived a good life. I have

Stanley Pitt

never met him in this life since he passed away before I was born. But in listening to the stories my dad has told about him, I'm thankful for who he was and the honorable life he led. There are several stories I could share, including one where he saved my dad's life from a massive swarm of bees, or stories of him teaching important life lessons. But there's one that stands out to me.

When I was about eleven, my dad was looking for some land to build a new home on. He found some and when he located the owner, he approached him asking if the land was for sale. The owner (Don Burnham) politely said it was not--that he had no interest in selling the land. My dad took the opportunity to talk to him further and in the course of their conversation, Don learned my dad's last name. Don then asked if my dad happened to be related to Stan Pitt. When my dad revealed that Stan was his father, Don stood there a moment and then said "You can have any part of my land that you'd like." 

I'm excited to see my Grandpa Stan some day.

Grandma & Grandpa Marshall

My Grandma Marshall passed away several years ago and I miss her dearly. She was a very practical woman who was full of love and wasn't afraid of hard work. My favorite memories of her are those where I'm sitting at the counter in her kitchen, eating homemade bread with homemade raspberry jam, and listening to her impart some pearls of wisdom. She also loved to listen to my life's adventures and make me feel important. She recognized, too, that even with a lot to do in keeping a farm up, spending time playing games with her grandkids (Rumikub, Triominoes, or Scrabble were her favorite) was important too. 

So, while I sang patriotic songs today that will certainly touch the lives of many--particularly those who have lost a loved one to war or the after-effects of war--I also gave thanks to God for being able to remember loved ones who have helped me become the person I am today. Their examples and life lessons are not to be forgotten.

Until next time, God be with you.