Sunday 24 April 2016

Memories and heartache.




Parting is such sweet sorrow: Shakespeare!

It is 400 years ago that Shakespeare died. I just heard that on the news. Wasn't aware of this fact till then. Apparently there are numerous activities planned to commemorate this event. The man and his works live on.

When Freddy Mercury, alias Queen, died the world mourned. When Princess Diana died the world mourned. Michael Jackson, Nelson Mandela...well you get my drift.

To the world these people were heroes, were looked up to. Were considered "special' because they had in their own way ' made a difference' in, for and to our world. Those 'followers' take a moment each year to remember them - their 'heroes'.

Daily, people die. Some close in relationship to ourselves, others anonymous, unknown to us and far removed. Instead of being physically present in our lives - they remain in our memories forever. We can still smile when we recall a shared moment of pleasure- and we can certainly shed tears when the heartache overwhelms us. Grief has so many faces and is timeless.

When my parents died- I felt as if the world had lost heroes- people who had made a difference. I walked around in a daze, feeling numb and bereft. But the whole world didn't mourn along with me - just a small community of people connected to my parents. Many of those I have loved have gone- died through either illness, accident or old age. 

Today is ANZAC day in Australia en New Zealand. A day of remembrance of those who fought in wars - never to return home to those they were protecting.

Many a year I attended these services - and saw the pain and grief on faces now wrinkled and worn. Names are called out, flowers are laid and silences held.

These people deserve a moment of our time - no matter what your thoughts are on war and peace.

I for one will be REMEMBERING them - each 25th April.

Now, back in my country of birth, Nederland, I have included this remembrance date to the 4th of May, when I hang the flag half mast on my home as is the custom here. I don't physically attend the services - but together with my husband we watch the live broadcast on tv.



To give a moment of time - in remembrance to those who have died - is one way to make sure their names and faces live on - famous, brave, unknown and unsung. Our own personal heroes deserve that.

That they may all be remembered and treasured in our hearts.

4 comments:

  1. We do remember those who have died here today in Christchurch and the bridge of remembrance will be reopened for this occasion. Great that you continue to remember in Holland

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes Marja, having 2 'homelands' brings with it the added memories and ways of life- I try to find a balance. Thanks for your visit to my blog. Enjoy and feel free to visit any time.

      Delete
  2. My hopes for stopping this sad business (of the sillyness and crazyness of sending young men -and women these days too- to the battlefields of war fronts) are raised each year when I see today's youth participating and attending at these commemorative events.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I too wish nothing more than world peace. The true answer lies within all of us- respect and caring. Maybe one day your and my hope and dream will come true- till then, I will remember those who fought and lost. Thanks for your visit and maybe I will catch you here again another time.

      Delete