Farmhouse Greetings: January 2011

Its a New Year already! My Mom died December 14th. What can I say? She will be with me always. I realize it's impossible to write a sufficient eulogy that encompasses all she did and meant for me and others as well. Some remembrances are best to keep close to my heart, others, I'll gladly share. Earlier today, I was thinking about her weekly ritual of ironing in the kitchen on Saturday or Sunday afternoons with the radio on in the background. I'll be grateful for each memory as it bubbles to the surface, sometimes unexpectedly, sometimes encouraged by thoughtfullness.

My Dad has the laborious task of sifting througn nearly seven decades of accumulated memories. When I talk with him, he'll mention finding a letter or stash of photos he doesn't recall (this man has the mind of a computer) so I believe him when he says he hasn't seen a snapshot of me when I was nine months old, held by my brother, Gary, another brother holding a cat, and another one, staring at the camera, empty-handed. When I visit, I'm overwhelmed- every single letter I ever wrote them has been kept, every photo. too- boxes and boxes! We tackle stuff at random, one day it may be sorting candle stubs from decades of bridge parties and entertaining dinner guests.Another day, we might sort through socks and sandals. It's nice he's able to sort through old memories; I hope they don't overpower him.

Do I have any resolutions for the New Year? Not really- just to continue being mindful of each day's uniqueness and grateful for each day we get to experience, whether it holds wonders (a pretty sunset), small blessings (cups of tea) or aggravations (carpenter ants encountered unexpectantly).

Here are some pictures from the past few months-