A year ago today my mamaw died. I've spent the day thinking much of her and remembering fond memories I shared with her. These memories are truly beautiful to me and I'm sure they always will be. I cling to them, never wanting to forget her smile or her laugh or her joyful countenance. Each one lives inside me as a colorful picture so I may never forget.
So, here are a small few of my memories with her..
I remember when I was little going up to the trailer my mamaw and papaw used to own in the mountains to spend a few days. I loved that trailer. It was small, but homely and familiar to me, and the scenery was beautiful. But my favorite memories of that place aren't the forests and winding roads through the mountain, but rather the early mornings. My sister Michelle and I would wake up and meet my mamaw in the kitchen. we'd make hot tea and grab a bowl of gingersnaps and go sit out on the porch in rocking chairs that looked over the edge of the mountain. They were cool mornings and we would listen to the birds chirping and watch the day come to life. My sister and I would sit there dipping our gingersnaps into our tea listening as my mamaw told us stories. She'd tell us things she'd done as a young girl and how she met my papaw, and she'd tell us funny stories of when my dad was little. I'd sit and listen, following my mind back through many years and shaping images in my imagination. she would also tell us the names of the birds that were chirping, and we would have fun spying them in the trees. I loved these times, and looked forward to them always.
I remember her smile, and the way she would talk to you like you were the dearest person in the world to her. I remember her hugs, and her kind, wise words of advice. I remember her laugh as something I always loved to listen to. When she smiled, you smiled, when she laughed, you laughed.
I remember thoroughly enjoying car rides with her. whenever we would go around a sharp turn she would say "whee!" as though we were on a roller coaster and I would always laugh. I'm not sure if she did that for our benefit or because she really thought it was fun. regardless, I thought it was hilarious...and now I do it.. :)
I love these memories. But even more than the memories I love the woman they are centered around. I miss her, and think of her often. and I look forward to the time when one day I no longer need those memories because I'll be with her again.
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| mamaw as a young mother. lovely |
