May 25th, 2012

Memories and Traditions

In Michigan, where I grew up, Memorial Day marks the unofficial beginning of spring. The ice is gone from the lakes, cabins are opened and cleaned, and it’s also time to plant your garden. Memorial Day brings the annual emergence of the American flag, flapping in front of homes, businesses, along the side of the road and, of course, at the cemetaries. Every year, we visit the plots of my grandparents and great grandparents, leaving flowers and cleaning up any old wreaths or branches from trees. A brief look into our past through a grave stone or marker.

I remember trips to Tiger Stadium, a four hour round trip that I’m sure my parents were pretty exhausted at the end of it. Other years, we went camping, but the weekend was notorious for a drop in temperatures and cold rain. Nothing too exotic, we played in a lake, fished the banks for bluegills, or watched the 6—4 double play combo of Alan Trammel to Lou Whitaker and towering strength of Lance Parish. What we did was just as important as who we were with, because it made the time special, or even extraordinary. The days spent with family and friends are what I remember most.

Florida is different from my Midwestern upbringing because of one obvious thing--the weather. My garden was planted in February and is done already, except for the tomato plants thriving in the shade. Instead of the lakes, we go to the beach with family and friends, enjoying 90-degree heat and cooling of in the gulf waters that average around 83 degrees. There is always something cooking on a grill. We slow down, mostly because of the heat, but it’s cultural and I’m sure I’ll get to understand it years from now. We spend our time with family and friends, and look forward to it every year.

I embrace simple traditions that make lasting memories, the palatable memories to last a lifetime. This is something I can easily pass to my children and their children. As I remember my family, loved ones, and friends that have passed away this weekend, the most vivid and beautiful of those memories will be from the time we spent together.
Michael Premo