With the nice long Memorial Day holiday this past weekend, I had the chance to catch up with my friend Troy. His grandparents had the ranch next to ours, and he comes back to visit every few years. We played in Beaver Creek, shared stories, looked at old photos, and measured our heights on the back of a closet door. My first height recorded on that door by Troy’s grandma Ada was in 1983, the most recent until now was in 1992.

Troy retired from the U.S. Air Force as a colonel. His father, Roy, was serving in the Army in Vietnam when his helicopter was shot down in May of 1969. Roy is honored with a spot on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., as well as a special memorial at the Whitepine Cemetery.

While the intention of this past weekend is to remember all those who have sacrificed their lives while serving our country, I often find myself also thinking of the families – wives, parents, children – of those service members. They are the ones left behind, and life must go on for them. There are generations of military members who have died while their families carried on. We may be products of those families, or we may simply know them. Because of them, we do what humans do: We gather, make connections, and create more memories.

Sometimes, Memorial Day parties, picnics and pool time are labeled as improper on such a solemn day. I disagree. As long as we keep the spirit of that day, we are able to spend our time in whatever way we feel appropriate. It’s a freedom we have because of the sacrifices of so many.

In fact, I would argue that finding time to be with one another is the very thing we should be doing. We should be gathering. We should be reuniting with former classmates. We should be outside, enjoying one another’s company. We should be stepping away from our daily grind and getting out in nature.

Not only am I thankful I was able to reconnect with some very special people, I am also forever appreciative of the beautiful area we have in which to do so. I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again: We live in a piece of paradise that calls us to be outside, enjoying nature. Imagine not having close, easy access to nature that allows for hiking, fishing, camping, hunting, and so many opportunities to get out of the house. I consider myself very fortunate to be from a small town full of big adventures.

We need long weekends and summer breaks to stop, look around, and consider what – and who – is important. These are needed pauses in our lives, and we should be grateful. Am I a bit melancholy over my friends’ visit? Of course. They’ve departed, and it’s back to reality. But I am grateful for the opportunity, and I will keep gathering, making connections, and creating more memories. ­ — Annie Wooden