The traditional Memorial Day (formerly known as Decoration Day) on May 30 is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service (see www.usmemorialday.org).
For me, these last days of May have prompted a different kind of "memorial days." I've been thinking about the Saturday in May 2010 when I moved out of our family home in Corvallis to an apartment in Portland. I was a little sad, but I was also excited that I was about to start a new chapter of my life.
I've also been thinking about my friend Laurence who entered the hospital during the last days of May 2010 to receive a bone marrow transplant. He battled many challenges in the days that followed and served as an inspiration to many with his strong faith and unfailing gratitude.
Today I am indeed in the midst of a new chapter of my life, but it doesn't look like what I hoped it would be. I have had my own health challenges. I have not found my dream job - or any regular work. I have been slow to make new friends and explore my local community. Life feels pretty discouraging at times.
The story of my friend Laurence has not turned out as I had hoped either. After five months of progress and setbacks, he passed away. He is sadly missed by many friends and family members.
In times of despair and grief, I find it easy to lose hope. Yet, it is in the memory of braves ones who have gone before me that I sometimes find the strength to keep going.
We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope. (Martin Luther King, Jr.)
