I have always loved Memorial Day. A day we honor, celebrate, and remember those who gave their all so that we may enjoy the freedom that came with great price. I’m grateful to all the service members who sacrifice so much and give so freely to keep us safe here in this great country!

Memorial Day is also a day to remember those ancestors who were influential in our lives. They too sacrificed a lot so that we can be blessed to live where we do today. Some lived long and full lives, while others didn’t even get the chance to be here for more than a few minutes. No matter how much time these blessed friends and relatives spent here on earth, they impact our lives even after they have progressed into the heavenly realm.

This year I had the privilege of being asked to create a new faux floral arrangement to memorialize the grave of some dear friends we met over 18 years ago – Dean and Elen Belnap.

From the moment I first met Elen, there was an instant connection. Elen was one of those women who brought LIGHT into any room she walked in to. She brought energy and unification to our neighborhood. Elen led by example hosting welcome dinners to introduce new move-ins to the neighborhood with those who had lived here for many years.

She even dressed up for Halloween for the neighborhood trick-or-treat night when she was in her 80’s!

My only regret is that I didn’t get to know her years before. She faced life’s challenges head-on with faith, courage, and optimism.

Elen was a cancer survivor, but in the end, cancer was her final illness. I will never forget the time, just a couple months before she passed, that she brought me soup and muffins after my first melanoma surgery. She insisted that her husband, Dean, stay in the car while she brought the soup and muffins to my door to deliver to me personally. That was Elen. Always thinking of others before herself.

I keep a photo of her in my office as a daily reminder of the kind of woman I want to be.

I’m so grateful for the opportunity I had to create a lovely floral arrangement to honor this wonderful woman who was so full of LIGHT she glowed!

This week, bring some LIGHT into your life and the lives of your family and have discussions about the people who have passed on, but who have made a difference in your life. Take a flower to their grave if you can, and spend a quiet moment of gratitude as you remember and reflect about these blessed people. I believe we will see them again, and what a beautiful day that will be. I pray that we can all feel of their spirits with us as we continue our own earthly trek back to our heavenly home.

Have a great week, Love Ya, Les 😊

Life