Memorial Day Weekend

In spite of my having to work both Saturday and Monday, we managed to have a fun Memorial Day weekend.  Matt's soccer team was in State Cup from Friday night on, and they played their way to a third place finish, which I thought was awesome, given the initial tournament pairings. 

We're still trying to figure out how the best team in the state got put in the very weakest bracket, and I mean weakest by a huge margin.  When Matt's team played the second place team from that bracket, they beat them 6-0, which in soccer is like 63-0 in American football.  A complete blowout, utter domination, but I actually kind of enjoyed watching it.  Even in the rain. . .   

This tournament likely brings Matt's club soccer career to an end.  I don't think we'll pay for him to play after his senior varsity season.  It has been so fun to watch him grow and progress in soccer through the years.  I remember when he was just a wee lad, and we were downtown at Ann Morrison Park.  We stopped to watch a "big boys" soccer game, probably comprised of high school age kids.  I remember thinking how strong those boys were and how physical the game was.  I wondered how my little boy would be able to handle what seemed like an almost violent sport.  Well, he grew up, and sure enough, he's right in the mix with all of the other players.  Time flies, no?

Mike and I also drove through the Cloverdale Cemetery briefly on Sunday night.  No, we don't have any relatives buried there, but since we moved here almost 16 years ago, I've been impressed every Memorial Day weekend with the care and thought that goes in to the decorating of the graves.  It's inspiring, really.

One part I really like is that the cemetery caretakers line the entry road with American flags. It truly makes one feel patriotic to see such a display.  I thought a lot about my granddad and his service for his country.  I also thought about the men and women presently serving the world over.  I felt grateful for them and for their families.  It's no small sacrifice for them to be apart, particularly when the soldiers are in harm's way.  I hope I never take all the freedoms I enjoy too lightly.

I wish that I had the photographic skills to truly capture how gorgeous the cemetery looks.  I look forward to seeing it every year.  Here is my best attempt:

  

Of course, it looked even better by Monday night, but I was tied up with work by then.  Anyway, I never realized that living so close to a cemetery would be such a delight, but then I never stopped to think about Memorial Day.  Beautiful!!