This weekend I am traveling to Maine for my father's memorial service. It is hard to believe it has been six months since he died. The gathering this weekend is planned as a celebration. It will be an opportunity to remember and give thanks for the blessings he shared with us during his life.

I anticipate that this weekend will be both a gift and a challenge. It will be the first time I've returned to the Campground (where my Dad lived and where I grew up) since the funeral in December. It will be difficult to drive down the dirt road knowing that Dad won't be there to greet me. I will miss seeing him step out of his garage when hearing my car coming down the road.

But it will also be a good opportunity to intentionally remember. Too often we are encouraged to forget, to move on, to get over it. If our grief lasts too long or appears to be too strong, we are accused of dwelling on it. We are told that the best thing for us is to get on with our life. While healthy progress is important, I think remembering is important as well.

So this weekend I will remember. And, for those memories, I will give thanks. There will probably be some tears, but I'm sure there will be laughter as well. And, as I remember, I encourage you to remember too. Have you experienced losses that seem to painful to recall? Are there loved ones whose lives you would honor by remembering and giving thanks?