For as long as I’ve shopped with Erstwilder, they’ve had a remembrance collection featuring poppy pieces, which not only serves as a way to honor those who have lost their lives in the defense of freedom, but also supports RSL Victoria’s Poppy and ANZAC Appeals, which aids current and ex-service men and women and their families. This year, they added a brooch to the collection featuring rosemary, which has long been used as a symbol of fidelity and remembrance.

I purposefully chose to wear this brooch today, the day I received the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, in memory of the many, many people around the world who lost their lives too soon to this horrible virus. May we never forget how quickly our lives can change, and may we remember them.