Moving.....Family.....Memories

Part B

loved ones

memories

forever precious











Moving.........Memories

Part A

moving

here we go

packing

boxes, tape

bubble wrap and labels

but the mind-recorded

photos

last forever



Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and More

My Mom, Aunts and Uncle
Special Siblings in My View

A phone call from Aunt Betty, a visit from Aunt Gail and Uncle Palmer as they journey from one state to another, a warm memory shared in an email from a cousin, Michael, living on the opposite coast – oh, I hope they know how very much the bond we share makes a difference in my life.

No matter our age we each carry so much power to influence those within our home and extended family.  Eyes and ears record impressions that live on for years. 

We all deal with good days and bad, but our relatives are more likely to forgive and forget.  Of course, there are always a few of our family members to whom we are closer, words of truth and strength flow from their lips just when we seem to need them. 

Because of examples set by my loved ones I am trying to be a better mom, daughter, sister, aunt, niece and cousin.  But, the bar has been set pretty high, I hope I can live up to their examples.     

Historians

The Flight 93 tragedy of September 2001 was not that long ago.  But many of my grandchildren were not yet born on that life-altering day for our nation.  I recently visited the memorial in Somerset, Pennsylvania.  As I stood silently staring at the marble wall that traces a portion of the flight path of the plane as it began its descent into the earth, I realized the steady stream of viewers were equally quiet,  speaking in hushed tones.  There was an automatic reverence for the lives of the heroes who fought to defend our nation within the metal framed walls of their battlefield.

Now the responsibility falls to those of us who breathlessly watched the news coverage that fateful day of the airplanes purposely taking life and attempting to destroy the hope and principles upon which our country was founded.  Yes, I will continue to show my photos to each grandchild, as they come of age to comprehend, so the gravity of the day will not be forgotten.  Many men and women gave their lives to fight for the freedoms and liberty upon which I stand.  It is not a self-made suggestion within my heart, it is a passion. 

Little Ones Are The "Teachers" Sometimes

                   



Holden and William

Megan Elizabeth

Janie and Tessa

 Watching, listening and spending time with the youngest grandchildren can be times of real enlightenment.   With the passing of time, filled with busyness, and life’s stack of previous experiences, our thoughts need reminded of some of the truly important things in life by our little ones.  My attentive ears are receptive for my next lesson… 

  

Memorial Day May 28, 2012

My Dad, John

Memorial Day has always been a special day for our family.  My Father decorated our family’s gravesides and we attended the local parades.  There are many veterans in my family tree including my husband and son. 

My Dad’s mom, Mollie, scrap booked this letter sent to her May 16, 1941 noting Mother’s Day to bring pride and comfort to her while my Dad was serving in the Army.  The Commanding Officer, Captain W. Smit, of the 1^st Veterinary Company makes a statement near the end of the letter that is fitting to my blog. 

 “I  am aware of the fact that a good home has been a first essential in rearing of a man with excellent character,” are his words of recognition of the upbringing of her family.  It is obvious she cherished this letter to have catalogued in her beloved scrapbook.  May God bless all of our veterans and our great country!

Looking into the Rear View Mirror

It’s funny how life looks differently the older we become.  I’ve always treasured my family and tried to enjoy each moment with them.  But as days pass and life’s circumstances continue, a reality becomes abundantly clear.  In the end our family is what really matters.  Family will always be ‘family’.  Besides our faith, in many ways, that is all we really have.