A Moment with Melissa: Lest We Forget
This picture is of my Papa Douglas. My son’s middle name is his first. He was strong, caring and nurturing. He taught me all about unconditional love. I still miss him so much.
He never really spoke about the war. I wish when he finally opened up about it that I had listened more, documented his experience, appreciated it more. I have so many memories of him marching in the Remembrance Day ceremony.
I think of my grandmother as well. She worked in the factories during the Second World War making ammunition. They were married as soon as he returned.
The Director of our Spiritual Care department shared this beautiful poem in remembrance. I could not stop myself from thinking about both of my grandparents. They’ve been gone nearly as long as I’ve been married. I can still remember how it felt to hug them, how they would make me feel when I popped in for a visit, how much I loved her cooking.
Today we take a moment to Remember all who served us. I ask you to join me in taking a moment to stop to remember. And I encourage you to learn the stories Lest We Forget.
A Litany of Remembrance
Poem by Rabbi Sylvan Kamens and Rabbi Jack Riemer
In the rising of the sun and in its going down,
we remember them.
In the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter,
we remember them.
In the opening of buds and in the rebirth of spring,
we remember them.
In the blueness of the sky and in the warmth of summer,
we remember them.
In the rustling of leaves and in the beauty of autumn,
we remember them.
In the beginning of the year and when it ends,
we remember them.
When we are weary and in need of strength,
we remember them.
When we are lost and sick at heart,
we remember them.
When we have joys we yearn to share,
we remember them.
So long as we live, they too shall live, for they are now a part of us,
as we remember them.