In remembrance . . . .

Memorial Day 2018 found us rich with blooms on the lilac trees that grow in several locations on our property.  We have not seen so many fragrant, beautiful blossoms in years–typically they get hit with frost and freezing weather at just the wrong time.  As I prepared flower boxes for the cemetery, I remembered a song Dad used to sing when I was a small child.  He had an old guitar and he would sit and pick out a tune on rare occasions.  I guess that is why the memory stuck with me.

One of his favorites was “Green Grow The Lilacs” which is a tune dating back to the Civil War, and possibly beyond.  The true origin of the song is a bit hazy.  The first stanza is as follows:

“I used to have a sweetheart but now I’ve got none, since she’s gone and left me I care not for one, since she’s gone and left me contented I’ll be, for she loves another one better than me.”

“Green grow the lilacs all sparkling with dew, I’m lonely my darling since parting with you, and by the next meeting I hope to prove true, and change the green lilacs to the red white and blue.”

The bees are happy too. . . .

A few of the many trees that have blessed us with blooms on this Memorial Day.  I hope Dad and Mom enjoy them.