I have had the privilege of spending a lot of time with my parents this summer.
Although, in their 80's they have both been active and fully engaged with all that life has to offer.
On Mother's Day this year we found out that my Mom is seriously ill...
...time has become precious.
We took a drive to the hometown of my grandmother, my Mom's mother and found my great grandparents' old home...the place that my grandmother grew up and where my Mom spent much time as a child and young girl visiting her grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.
She was happy to see that it was in good repair but remarked that she remembered it as much bigger. My Mom was an only child and so her memories of happy times having fun with her young cousins in this home make this place special to her.
Behind the house were the garages and my Mom was pleased to see that her grandfather's zinnias were still there.
She remembers an abundance of butterflies and hummingbirds in his gardens.
Is it possible that these flowers were actually planted by my great grandfather 70 years ago?
.Can you believe that I am lucky enough to remember both of my great grandparents?
I have a few fond memories of my own...
...Great Grandpa Sid playing a tiny little harmonica and dancing around the kitchen table.
... and I was even named after my great grandmother Laura!
They lived a simple and happy life and passed away at a grand old age when I was around 8 years old.
Still standing across the street is the old knitting mill where my great grandfather worked many years ago.
Our drive took us to Sherman's...an old-time resort ...
...no longer operating but still a presence at the edge of the lake.
Both Mom and Dad have wonderful memories of fun times as teenagers and as a young married couple.
They used to dance here...looking out over the water.
Dad remarked that the old Ferris wheel looks tiny now.
Our afternoon drive took us on windy dirt roads through the woods to the docks where they would climb aboard a boat to ride (or row) to the island in the middle of the lake ...
It is here where Mom's uncle had a summer cottage and his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren still spend time.
Oh the fun she had all those summers long ago!
It was delightful to listen to her share the happy memories of all the adventures and good times spent here with family and friends.
It has been a bittersweet summer but a beautiful one...
We have had time to remember and time to share...
... and we have made a few more memories to add to our arsenal of wonderful times together as a family.
This time has been a gift.
All time is a gift.
I am learning to be present for each moment.
...and I am so very grateful!
A gentle reminder to keep making special and happy memories with your own family!
They last more than a lifetime!
Next week I will share with you some thrifty flea market finds...
...because, of course we stopped along the way of our afternoon drive down memory lane! :)
...no longer operating but still a presence at the edge of the lake.
Both Mom and Dad have wonderful memories of fun times as teenagers and as a young married couple.
They used to dance here...looking out over the water.
There was a carousel in the round building.
When we were little, my parents brought us back here to take a ride on it.
When we were little, my parents brought us back here to take a ride on it.
Dad remarked that the old Ferris wheel looks tiny now.
Our afternoon drive took us on windy dirt roads through the woods to the docks where they would climb aboard a boat to ride (or row) to the island in the middle of the lake ...
It is here where Mom's uncle had a summer cottage and his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren still spend time.
Oh the fun she had all those summers long ago!
It was delightful to listen to her share the happy memories of all the adventures and good times spent here with family and friends.
It has been a bittersweet summer but a beautiful one...
We have had time to remember and time to share...
... and we have made a few more memories to add to our arsenal of wonderful times together as a family.
This time has been a gift.
All time is a gift.
I am learning to be present for each moment.
...and I am so very grateful!
A gentle reminder to keep making special and happy memories with your own family!
They last more than a lifetime!
Next week I will share with you some thrifty flea market finds...
...because, of course we stopped along the way of our afternoon drive down memory lane! :)
