I have been awake since nursing my daughter at 2:45am, so I figured what better to do with this awake energy but write a blog post... One of the many thoughts plaguing my mind in the wee hours of this Tuesday morning is the ignorance when it comes to this "holiday"- I put quotes around this word because when I think of the word "holiday", I think of something joyous and well, Memorial Day just is not that for me.
On social media, I often avoid being too opinionated about certain topics as I have clients and students on my Facebook friends list or who follow me on Instagram. I find a balance and do my best to maintain my integrity and honor my beliefs. I, however, am now going to climb up on my soapbox: I am an advocate for grief- I feel all too often, in our society that bereavement is very much dismissed. In the past, I have been guilty of saying, "Sorry for your loss" as if the grieving individual got beat out on the soccer field, or wishing people a "Happy Memorial Day". Over the last few years, especially, I have been mindful to really take in to account the weight and truth of my word. A number of years ago, a peer who is also a veteran wrote a post on Facebook about how he didn't appreciate people wishing him "Happy Memorial Day" or thanking him on this particular day for his service, and proceeded to note the difference between it and Veteran's Day. I took his post to heart and it woke me up to realize I had done this in years past with those who had served and even those who hadn't. As someone who has had a lot of grief in her life, I can see where my peer was coming from this day- Wishing someone "Happy Memorial Day" is like wishing someone a happy anniversary of their beloved family member's death. Now, don't get me wrong. I am of the philosophy that we should have gratitude every day for our veterans and fallen soldiers, however, a day out of the year is really just a moment and so let this day be held as a "moment of silence" for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. It's alright to share times of remembrance with a heavy heart and distinguish those which are otherwise. I'll close with this: My grandfather is one of my very favorite human beings! He is a WWII vet who could've died after being shot in the head while serving our country, but luckily he didn't. We honor the life he continues to live- Many of his comrades weren't so lucky and to lump it all together at all times is to, in a way, dismiss his grief. If you love someone, you let them feel how they need to, whether those are moments of utter bliss or tragic loss, and hold space for them whether those emotions last for a brief second or for a lifetime. I am grateful to those souls who paved the way for my freedom to be able to sit here, have an opinion and a voice all my own, and to be able to write to you. Today, and always they are cherished and respected in my heart! |
Author-Christina is a Bodywork Therapist and Yoga Teacher in the Charlotte, NC area with a passion for writing. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this blog!! Archives
August 2019
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