Tiana was up to her ears ordering barbecue grub for Memorial Day weekend. Ever since she'd opened her restaurant, they'd hosted events for holidays and other noteworthy occasions.

Memorial Day was just one of the eatery's numerous holidays to host a big celebration. Memorial Day held a tremendous significance to Tiana, given her late father and the medal he'd received posthumously.

The past year hadn't been an uncomplicated one for the young princess. Between having her breast removed, her mother showing early symptoms of Alzheimer's, and taking care of her family and business enterprise?

She didn't have much downtime to put up her feet and unwind. Naveen pressed her to take some time off for the approaching holiday. They could have the staff take care of everything for the ceremonial dinner.

However, it remained highly challenging for the young woman to loosen up. She hadn't entirely kicked her addiction to work. Sure she'd loosened up some. Just not all the way.

"Mommy! Mommy!" cried the sound of her six-year-old daughter, Jamie. Then, she saw her pride and joy jumping up and down with a homemade American flag. "How did I do? Grandma helped me!" showing off her flag. Again Eudora was beginning to display early indications of Alzheimer's. However, she wasn't completely lost yet to it.

"It's dandy, Tadpole. I'm so proud of you!" She embraced her daughter tightly.

"I want to put it on Grandpa's grave! Along with the wreath I've been making! Can I, Mommy? Can I?" she asked, pleading with her.

"Tadpole, you know I won't say no. However, I do think you need a nap. Now that I think of it? Why don't we both go rest together? Your daddy won't be back for another hour or so.

So why don't we get some shuteye together? Does that sound like fun?" to which her young daughter cheered. She loved it when she got to sleep with her mama in her bed. Mother and daughter fell asleep after making sure James' photo was facing them. In every image of James, they made sure they faced his family. So he'd guard them.

Two hours later, they woke up to the sound of Naveen singing. Jamie woke up faster then her mom. So she scampered outside to her daddy. He picked her up and spun her in the air. "How my little Tadpole today? Hmm? Did you help Mommy unwind?"

"We've been napping together, Daddy! But do you want to see the flag I made, Daddy? I did it almost all by myself!"

"Sure thing, Tadpole. Why don't you get it? I'll get something to help your mother chill some more."

The child squealed happily before rushing off to get her flag. "She's sure got a lot of energy today."

Tiana yawned, "Yep, quite the bundle of energy. She's determined to make her granddad proud this weekend. After all, we named her after him. So, of course, she wants to make him happy. Anyway, how did you get the restaurant's wine order?"

"Plenty of wine to go around. My parents even shipped a few notable ones from their wine cellar back home. However, they made clear that they're only for us to enjoy."

"Hmm, I've never had wine before from Maldonia. Is it any good?" she asked in a teasing way.

"It's our country's most prominent source of income. In addition, Maldonia is rather renowned for its outstanding wines. So, yes, we've extremely first-class wine," he chuckled as he buffed the bottle his parents sent.

"Hmm, well, I'll take your word for it. I hope we've enough for the veterans coming to dinner. You know they want only the best when toasting their fallen comrades."

"Which I've ensured they'll have. Don't worry so much, Tiana. Let us be more worried about making your father's memorial the best in the city."

Before his wife could reply, their daughter flew into the room, waving her flag around. She didn't stop chattering for ten minutes about everything she'd prepared for her grandfather's Memorial Day.

The young couple was delighted their daughter comprehended the significance of the holiday. Unfortunately, not many young children understood either Memorial Day or Veterans Day. They only saw it as a three-day weekend. They did not genuinely understand the sacrifice and significance it held. Thankfully Jamie understood it perfectly.

The following Monday, they enjoyed the parade before visiting the graveyard to decorate James' grave. They set up the wreath with his picture inside and draped his granddaughter's flag over it. The small family then said some prayers to their fallen loved ones. Afterward, they headed home for the main party. It was a good day.


Jamie: Elizabeth M. Dampier child Tiana.


A Note To Yourself

Dear Self,

You deserve to be surrounded by people who lift you and see your true beauty.

You deserve genuine love, acceptance, and patience. Please don't accept less than that.

I need you.

Love, Me.