Memories for Sale

Sale...

I'm walking up and down each isle looking for just that perfect shinny relic that catches my eye.

The sun is warm and the smell of the salty sea isn't far off. 
I look up toward heaven and sigh with appreciation. 

Today is for treasure hunting with loved ones, tonight is for our goodbyes. We will let the Waves take our memories along with our goodbyes and sorrow.

I see it, the shinny object across the row of vendors. I make my way through crowds of people to haggle with the seller over an antique cigar box and sitting next to it an old car that my son may like. As I'm passing by other tables I am suddenly overwhelmed by sadness. 
Its all the forgotten items of people. It's all the lives and the memories that have long passed that grieves me. 
The intensity of it catches me off guard.

 Laying across a table are photographs of a man and woman, wedding photos, college diplomas along with a life time of impressive achievements sprawled out for sale! 
I am wondering who did this? who gave away their memories to this gypsy to sell off for mere pennies? His war time photos, She in her wedding dress, their first born, first car, collage graduation, Last Christmas, a life time all laying out in the summer sun for sale

Is this what our lives are? items for sale? memories and achievements that go to the highest bidder?

I want to scream, "wait! before you buy that, don't you want to know his name? or if his wife of 50 years is still alive? or the name of their dog in that picture? Or if the men in that war time photo all made it home to their loved ones after defending our country in battle?"

I shed tears as I passed table after table with lifetimes all spread out for pennies.

Father am I not worth more? My life has to be worth more then forgotten memories put up for sale.
Our youth, our battles, victories and love. It all has to mean something to somebody.

Father let it all, not be for nothing...Let my pictures of youth and all my achievements not lay under the summer sun 

I look up with another sigh and thank God for today and the reminder that each day is our gift that isn't to be sold or grieved but to be celebrated. Our lives are to be cherished. Our lives are but a blink of an eye but eternity is forever and is free to whom ever believes.That is worth more then any shiny thing here on earth.
It is greater then any achievement. Its a gift that lasts for an eternity.

Another life is gone here on earth but heaven has gained another in celebration. You're items have been sold off and given away but our memories will last until we meet again.

Its dusk and it is time to remember our loved one, as the waves carry him into the sunset our feet leave impressions in the sand only to be washed away with him...