Special Insert #6

Yesterday was an anniversary. A somber day. Gray. With all the news coverage of the day's events - and the heightened security measures - it really brought that grim day rushing back. And then....

The sun came out today.

 Literally and, I think, figuratively.

To illustrate:
 1.) I was in ShopRite and I noticed a manager singing along with the taped music. "Everybody's Talkin'" by Harry Nilson.
 2.) I was in WalMart and I noticed a customer singing along with their taped music. "You're Song" by Elton John.
 In both cases - not humming, not under their breath...singing. I felt like singing, too. And I know why.

The sun came out today.

And I realized that, although we sometimes mark anniversaries with tears and somber music... anniversaries are for the living.

Personally, there have been a number of anniversaries in my family this year (and I include birthdays in with anniversaries). And there have been "Special Days" - some of these will cause anniversaries of their own and some are just individual milestones that call for celebration. Back in March, I referred to all of these days as swatches in a family's quilt. Special moments - good or bad, black-and-white or colorful - that make up a family's collective memories. That get passed down from generation to generation. Days that are remembered and celebrated.

In February, we had a party for my father-in-law on what would have been his 90th birthday. It had been talked about before he passed away the previous year and it helped as a way to remember him.

In March, my daughter got married. Many anniversaries will follow.

In April, my first great-nephew (grand-nephew?) was Baptised.

In May, My youngest nephew made his First Communion.

In June, my oldest nephew graduated college. And, his parents - my sister and her husband - celebrated their 30th Wedding Anniversary.

We've also had my "second" cousin's 40th Birthday, my 60th Birthday, and my aunt's 70th Anniversary as a nun.

Anniversaries, future anniversaries, and special occasions. All of them celebrations. These are the one's I choose to remember. I acknowledge the others - the sad ones - but I refuse to be overwhelmed by them.

Maybe it's because I - and I'm sure others in the famiy (especially one cousin) - have a more immediate view of life. Life is special, and every day is important, and special days should be celebrated.

Yes, there will be dark and dangerous times. There is still the unknown. But remember....

The sun came out today.

I'm pretty sure it will tomorrow, too.