Visiting my grandmothers grave and the Library of congress

Today, my mom and I visited my grandmother’s grave and the Library of Congress. It was a meaningful day filled with fun, quality moments, and great photos. Our main stops were Arlington National Cemetery, where my grandmother is buried, and the Library of Congress, but we also enjoyed breakfast at McDonald’s, took a run on a trail at Rock Creek Park, and wrapped up our day with tacos and margaritas at Azteca!

It was especially meaningful to visit the Library of Congress on the same day we honored my grandmother, who was a librarian with a master’s degree in library science from the University of Denver. The connection was surreal and added depth to our experience. This was my first time at her grave, and I was struck by the beautiful, well-kept landscape of Arlington National Cemetery. While I initially felt a bit anxious about visiting, it turned out to be a grounding experience. I left feeling more connected to my roots and spiritually closer to her, even though we never met.

At the Library of Congress, I was amazed by the stunning architecture—it reminded me of grand structures like Versailles, the Biltmore, and the Louvre. It’s clear how much past generations valued and invested in architecture, and it’s something we still appreciate today. I even bought a Library of Congress sweatshirt as a souvenir. We’re quick to buy merchandise for our favorite sports teams or bands, but I thought this was a great way to show pride in something educational and promote learning in media.