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Tiana, the proud owner of a bustling restaurant, was up to her ears orderin' barbecue grub for Memorial Day weekend. Since she'd opened her restaurant, a place that had become a hub for community celebrations, they'd hosted events for holidays and other noteworthy occasions.
Memorial Day was not just another holiday for the eatery but a day of profound significance for Tiana. It held a deep personal meaning, remindin' her of her late father and the medal he had received posthumously.
The past year hadn't been an easy one for the young princess. Between havin' her breast removed, her mother showin' early symptoms of Alzheimer's, and takin' care of her family and business?
She didn't have much downtime to put up her feet and unwind. Naveen, her lovin' and supportive husband, pressed her to take some time off for the approachin' holiday. So they could have the staff take care of everything for the ceremonial dinner.
Despite Naveen's insistence, Tiana found it hard to relax. Her work had become a part of her, and she was still strugglin' with the idea of steppin' away from it completely.
"Mommy! Mommy!" cried the sound of her six-year-old daughter, Jamie. Then, she saw her pride and joy jumpin' up and down with a homemade American flag. "How did I do? Grandma helped me!" showin' off her flag. Jamie, the light of their lives, was startin' to show early signs of Alzheimer's like her grandmother, but she still brought moments of joy and innocence to their lives.
"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 makin'! Can I, Mommy? Can I?" she asked, pleadin' with her.
"Tadpole, you know I won't say no. However, you need a nap. Now that I think of it? Why don't we both get some 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?" her young daughter cheered. She loved it when she got to sleep with her mama in her bed. Mother and daughter fell asleep after ensurin' James' photo was facin' them. In every image of James, they made sure they met his family so he'd guard them.
Two hours later, they woke up to the sound of Naveen singin'. Jamie woke up faster than her mom. So she scampered outside to her daddy. He picked her up and spun her in the air. "How is my little Tadpole today? Hmm? Did you help Mommy unwind?" The house was filled with the aroma of the food bein' prepared for the ceremonial dinner and the sound of laughter and chatter from the staff settin' up the tables and decorations.
"We've been nappin' together, Daddy! But do you want to see the flag I made, Daddy? I did it almost all by myself!" Jamie's eyes sparkled with pride and excitement as she showed off her flag, symbolizin' her love and admiration for her late grandfather.
"Sure thing, Tadpole. Why don't you get it? I'll get somethin' to help your mother chill some more."
The child squealed happily before rushin' 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?" she asked, tryin' to keep the conversation light amidst the weight of the upcoming event.
"Plenty of wine to go around. My parents even shipped a few notable ones from their home wine cellar. However, they clarified 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 teasin' way.
"It's our country's most prominent source of income. Maldonia is rather renowned for its outstanding wines. So, yes, we have 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 comin' to dinner. You know they want only the best when toastin' their fallen comrades."
"Which I've ensured they'll have. Don't worry so much, Tiana. Let us be more worried about makin' your father's memorial the best in the city."
Before his wife could reply, their daughter flew into the room, wavin' her flag around. She didn't stop chattin' for ten minutes about everything she'd prepared for her grandfather's Memorial Day.
The young couple was delighted that their daughter comprehended the holiday's significance. Unfortunately, not many young children understood either Memorial Day or Veterans Day. They only saw it as a three-day weekend. They needed to understand the sacrifice and significance it held genuinely. Thankfully, Jamie understood it perfectly.
The followin' Monday, they enjoyed the parade, a bittersweet reminder of their father's service, before visitin' the graveyard to decorate James' grave. They set up the wreath with his picture inside and draped his granddaughter's flag. The small family then said some prayers to their fallen loved ones, their hearts heavy with both grief and pride. Afterward, they headed home for the main party, rememberin' their father's sacrifice and the joy of their family's togetherness. It was a good day.