This Memorial Day Sunday, we built an Altar to Life, as we do every year. We honor those who have died in war, and we honor friends, relatives, significant others who are no longer with us.

I always think it is going to be trite or banal (sentimentalizing death), and yet every year it is instead touching, moving, and inspiring.

This year I remembered Sissy (Lucy), my little sister. She lives in my memory now, but when I am gone, there will be none to remember either of us. I learned how to love from her and I miss her to this day.

We call it an Altar to Life, because we remember them, and we cherish the gifts to us from those who have gone before us, as we pass the gifts of life to those who are yet to come.