Remembering on Memorial Day

Today is Memorial Day, a day we remember people in our lives who have died. We may also remember people we didn't know--people who gave up their lives for important causes.

Do you remember someone special? A grandparent, aunt, uncle, or a pet? 

A great way to remember those people or pets is to write about them. 

Here are ways to get started.

1. If you could do something with your special person or pet right now, what would it be? Describe it. I would ask my mom to make a batch of brownies with me.

2. If you had to describe your person or pet in 5 words, what would they be? My words for my cat Zoey would be funny, furry, curious, homebody, and chatty (yes, she loved to "chat"). After you write your 5 words, pick one and write more about it.

3. If you could say something to your person or pet, what would it be? I would tell my grandma that I wished I understood Polish while she was alive, so that I could talk to her.

As its name says, Memorial Day is a good day for remembering the people and animals we loved. Happy writing. 

Writing About Memories

I've been thinking about this building lately. 

It's not just any building. I lived here several years ago. Recently I went back to visit, and when I walked past this building there was a flood of memories.

Do you have a special place that you remember? A house you lived in, or a friend's apartment? The school where you went to kindergarten? A grandparent's yard? The back seat of your parents' old car? 

When we write about these places, something amazing happens: more memories come back, even stronger. It's not necessary to visit. Just the act of writing triggers details we may have forgotten. 

Think of a place that was special to you. To get started, write down three things you remember about that place. Then write down the emotion you felt about each thing.

When more details come, keep writing. Don't worry about forming them into a finished piece yet. Think of your memories as your "compost heap." The memories may spark an idea for a story or an essay about your life.

Our memories are unique to us. What place do you remember? 

Memory

Today is Memorial Day. It's a holiday, which means no school, right? It's good to know why Memorial Day is a holiday. On this day, we remember soldiers who have died. We also remember family members and friends who have died.

So Memorial Day is about remembering. It's about memory. Are you remembering someone special today? Maybe it's your grandma or grandpa. Maybe it's your pet. Or maybe you're remembering someone who's living--your mom, dad, aunt, or uncle in the military or away from home for another reason.

Think about someone you're remembering today. Write down five things about that person.

Today I'm remembering my mom who died a few years ago.

My Mom

1. Made the best chocolate chip cake.

2. Took the bus with me because she didn't drive.

3. Helped me with my spelling words (and that's why I'm a good speller).

4. Taught me some words in Polish.

5. Loved to go shopping.

What do you remember about a special person or pet? Happy Memorial Day!