memory keeping

It is three days after Christmas and I am sitting on my cozy living room

sofa getting ready to delve into a new book.

But as I start to read, I hear a small plane flying over head,

and there is a chill in the air outdoors, although the sun is shining brightly.

There is just something about this day that takes me back to when

all of my children were still living here, in this house, that we call home.

You know...
just one of those days when a certain sight,
 smell or sound will trigger a happy memory. 

I am glad that I have many of them.

I am sure that these memories are sparked by this past Christmas;

where our family gathered here and we enjoyed lively conversations with

wonderful food,too many sweets, babies in our arms
and little ones with twinkles in their eyes,

 as they opened ribbon laden boxes with their names on them.

My husband and I gave gifts and received gifts this Christmas.

I thoroughly enjoyed watching each of those gifts being opened;

no matter if it was done in haste or opened slowly and thoughtfully.

I have come to the conclusion that I would much rather give-
 than to receive.

The greatest gift to me is just to spend time with my children,

their spouses and our grandchildren. 

It is this time spent together, that makes a precious memory.

I want to be known as a memory keeper.

Memories are what sustain us when one of our loved ones
leaves this earth and us behind.

Fond memories-- is a conversation starter
when we gather together with family and friends.

I love when my three children get together
 and talk about their childhood years.
I lean in to listen as they speak.
Did they sometimes remember things differently than I did?
Yes.

As I get older, I can't help but wonder if Alzheimer's
will take my mind, years from now.
The memories that I have been keeping for
 all of these years will be played over and over and over
for anyone who will listen.
I will live in the past.


But in the present---now
I choose to continue to make many memories
with the ones that I love.

Memories are a piece of time that no one can take away;
they are only to be added to.