This one of my favorite photos from my childhood. I'm the youngest in this shot, though one of my little sisters was around somewhere. I was one and a bit back in 1974 when this was taken. My little sister was only a few weeks old, if she was born then. There are two other members of the family missing, but because this was in North Carolina, they weren't even thought of at this time. I like this picture, not because I remember taking it, but because I remember the sights and smells and people of where it was taken. My great grandfather had a cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains and we use to go visit him there during the summer. We would drink from the stream with a wooden ladle tied to a branch. We would catch lightening bugs and chase each other around. It was a great time, but like I said, I don't remember taking the picture, but it always stirs the memories of my great grandparents.
When Pa died, we had already moved to Arizona, I was probably eight or so, though I don't remember and I don't think I even really knew. I just know that after going back to visit, we would only see Ma and I never though to ask about Pa. I do remember when Ma passed away though. She was well into her 90s, or was it 104? I can't really remember that much either, but I know she was very frail and many said that she was losing her memory. I know that whenever I visited, she made me feel as though she should remember who I was and always said I was her "little bug." (That is funny in and of itself because we use to refer to my little brother as "bug" because he had such big eyes.) Anyway, I loved visiting with her and this picture is one that was taken ten or more years before her passing…
I remember this day, she wanted me to help her fix her hair before she had her picture taken. I really miss her. One other thought then comes to mind while thinking of this day and the many times we went to visit Ma and Pa at their cabin. I remember peppermint tobacco. Now, I'm not a smoker and smoke usually bothers me, but there is something about peppermint tobacco that doesn't seem to bother me at all, it reminds me of Ma and Pa. I think Pa smoked it in his pipe more than Ma did and truthfully, I don't know if she did at all, but still, it's a memory that takes me back to them and their love for us.
I have the following photo on my mantel next to pictures of my parents and both sets of my grandparents. I was one of the lucky ones growing up, I had a great-grandmother and both sets of grandparents were living. Until two years ago, that is. I sure miss them. I still have my grandmothers, they are the best things in the world. It will be sad when they are no longer here, though I'm sure they will be happy to be together again. So the picture on my mantel…
I think this was the last time we had her out of the house before she had to be moved to a nursing home. I still kick myself for not going to visit her the last time we were visiting for a family reunion prior to her passing. I had the opportunity, but didn't take it. My only suggestion, take lots of pictures and take every opportunity you can to visit with those you want to remember forever, you never know when it might be the last time you are able to visit them.
No comments:
Post a Comment