Reflections

First off, I have to tell you that we ate our lunch "poolside" yesterday, basking in the 75 degree temps, the balmy breezes that tickled our bare arms, while snow melted in our black-tarp covered inground swimming hole--quite the picture, eh?

After all, the first day of summer-like weather, we had to get out and enjoy. And it was gorgeous! I checked every single flower bed, looking for new growth and buds, and we walked last evening in our shorts and bare arms. People were out in droves, walking, biking, smiling--it was a little bit of Heaven.

However, before I opened my eyes this morning, I was thinking about several "seasons" ago, when during springtime, we were trying to prepare to let a loved one go, after his or her battle with disease or the tiredness of a long life.

I'm thinking this morning about my Grandma, who left us last May, just one week shy of her 91st birthday. I'm thinking about my Aunt Sharon, who died May 1st, after a courageous fight with cancer. I'm thinking about my Grandpa, who passed away a few springs ago, after Alzheimer's took him from us first.

Amidst the new life that's appearing every day, the lives that we remember with fondness and sadness, are never far away. I see my Gram every time I water my geraniums. She could grow those things in her sleep. She used to give me plants and I would warn her, "Gram, that Resurrection Plant probably won't last a week with me".

I see my aunt every time I drive by her house, on my way out to see my parents. I hear her infectious laugh and see her loving smile. I also see and hear my maternal Grandma who lived close by my aunt, alone in her last days after Grammpy died.

So with the arrival of "new things", comes also the spark of memories of past days and the loved ones we cherished and still do.

I think I will take a few moments today to pause and be still, and hug those memories close to my heart. I want those dear "folks" of mine to know I will never forget them and the huge influence they all had on my life.

The lily pictures (from our last year's gardens) are placed here today in memory of those I've mentioned in this special post.

God Bless you and "Yours" today, Barb