“Ceremonies are important. But our gratitude has to be more than visits to the troops, and once-a-year Memorial Day ceremonies. We honor the dead best by treating the living well.” –Jennifer M. Granholm

This month has been both bitter and sweet. My siblings and I were able to honor our wonderful mom on Mother’s Day, but that was also the day my 90 year old grandma passed away. She was a wonderful woman who I will miss very much.

We also celebrate Memorial Day here in the United States, remembering the brave selfless men and women who have given their lives in service to their country. One of the best ways to do that is to show our appreciation to those veterans who are still with us, both active and inactive. My 90 year old grandpa is one of those who served in WWII.

On this Memorial weekend I bring up my grandmother’s passing, both because she was an amazing woman, and also because Memorial Day can be a time to remember all the great people who are no longer with us but have made a major impact in our lives. For sure on this day we first honor our incredible soldiers who have died in the service of this great country, but perhaps it is also be a time to remember and memorialize all those who have played a significant role in shaping you and, in turn, your country.

I encourage you to take a few minutes this week to honor and remember important people in your life who have passed away by making an extra effort to treat the living well. Do something special for a veteran or, if you don’t know one personally, to a someone else in your life circle. I called my grandpa to tell him I love him and remind him that, even at 90, the best is yet to come!