mommasnell

BBQ, summer, going to the pool, finding the good sales – these are all very typical ways people celebrate Memorial Day. Absolutely nothing wrong with these, but I do think it’s vital that we stop for a few minutes. Just stop. Memorial Day. A day for us to remember. This is a very personal day for our family. 

For those who don’t know my family, my husband spent 8 years in the active duty Marine Corps, he deployed several times to both Iraq and Afghanistan (and Africa.) Needless to say, he’s lost more than a few friends. He’s had to experience the turmoil of war on more than one occasion. Saying, “Happy Memorial Day!” to him just doesn’t cut it. My husband has served beside some real heroes. Our son is named after one of them, Matthew.

So, I’m just asking that you stop for a few minutes today. Remember these men, remember their families. If you want to honor someone in particular, honor Cpl Matthew Conley – the man who our son is named after.  

As for us, we’re going to a BBQ. We’re going to watch our kids play outside, lather them up with sunblock, and enjoy our day. But we’ll remember, we remember every day.  

 
Far left, my husband. Far right, Cpl Matthew Conley – a hero.