Memories

My most treasured possessions are my memories.

I have memories of people that come to my head at the strangest times. My college roommate from 20 years ago will pop into my head when I hear, "Where Do Broken Hearts Go" or Hootie and the Blowfish. My suite mates come to mind when I see Kool-Aid and tiny fridges, thus reminding me that the "Kool Aid" in their tiny fridge was not Kool Aid at all. I think of my friend Sam whenever Trevor pedals his bike with training wheels, and my dearly departed Grandma Helen always comes to mind when I open a new can of cashews. Grandpa Nick is in every jazz song, and high school friend Katrina whenever I see Space Jam. I think of my friend Kelly when I see spider webs, and every time I put the recycling out. (?strange but true?) If I see an ugly dog I think of my dog Mugsy, and then I think of my old Pastor, JD, who was there with me when I found out Mugsy died, and talked so kindly to me about the death of a pet. After that I think of his lovely wife Vikki, and their two daughters who were like family to us during a big part of our childhood. "Silver Bells" makes me think of my former science teaching partner, Dana, and every time I do Taryn's hair in a "fuddy duddy" I think of my high school friend Erica, and softball games. I think of one of my middle or high school science teachers, Mr. Snow (I think) every time I do drawings for the class on my board, and Mr. Griffin whenever I have to talk to my students about being kind. Sometimes I even say, "that was a killer statement. Stamp that out, " just like I used to hate when he did. I think of my highschool PE teacher ALMOST every night when I put Trevor to bed because I always tell him to "Cuddle down". "Cover down," was a command we heard at the start of every PE class, and it is so close to what I tell Trevor, how could I not think of Mr. Plummer?

I could go on, and on and on with name after name, and the funny, sweet, happy memories that I have. Or occasionally, sad memories. But even those are a treasure. A lesson or a reminder that changed me just enough for me to remember it. These people would never know that I think of them. Other than occasional Facebook "likes" we have been relatively out of touch for sometimes 20 years! Even so, the smallest thing sparks my mind to remember them, and for a moment it takes me back. I see their face, a little snapshot of a moment we shared, and smile. Some of these people have passed away, some too soon, and some after long and blessed lives. The memories though, those live on. That's what I thank God for, most often. For the smells, sounds, and sights all around me that take me back to people and places that I sometimes think I have all but forgotten, but that through my memories are with me for always.