A Step Back In Time~

Graphic by LeAnn@Living Waters - Photo by Debbie@It's All About Purple~

I have been feeling a bit nostalgic. Part of it is because my sweet cousin Becky passed away. She was three years younger than I. When I was younger I used to play with Becky and her sister Jacky for hours at their Grandparents home and ranch. Their grandparents were my Uncle and Aunt. We had such a delightful time riding horses, taking little hikes, climbing trees and playing cowgirls.These are tender reflections. 
We traveled to my home town for the funeral. Seeing so many friends and relatives gathered for this occasion brought feelings of comfort and warmth for the sense of loss I was feeling.  

Becky, Jacky and LeAnn

  While there we visited a neighboring town where my Aunt Alene resides in an assisted living center. Memories flowed of times spent with this dear Aunt. I used to play for our hours with my two cousins in their home.

Delightful experiences from the past filled my mind as though they happened yesterday. Though the occasion brought sadness to my heart the memories that accompanied me throughout were indeed tender. 

While sorting through family records I came across letters and journal notes that caused me to recall endearing moments when my husband returned home from his two year mission to California. At the time he left we were in love and considering marriage; but we both had a goal for him to serve a mission for our church and for me to finish my nursing degree. It was so hard to be with out him. However, the joy of his return was worth the waiting. When he walked through my front door every feeling that I had for him came flowing back and it was almost like he had never been gone. We were engaged within 2 weeks and married in June of 1967. It was 50 years ago, and my love for him now has multiplied many times over.

Naturally, I was basking in the joy of those precious memories when I started to look at some photos of our children when they were young. My thoughts shifted again. This too was a joyful era in my life. I was busy with my family of six children as well as many other responsibilities. It seemed like hours were only seconds. As I now look back on those moments of mothering; I wish I would have simply slowed down a tad and enjoyed those treasured times more than I did. 

My Family~

To all you dear mothers; slow down and enjoy the precious moments of motherhood. Soon your children will be gone with families of their own. You cannot recapture those moments nor create the would be memories that are lost. My sincere advice is for you to hug and tell them you love them more. Don't let a day go by without warmly embracing your children. In today's world they need to feel your love more than ever before. They won't find it in their environment. Technology knows no emotions. Let them know how much you love and cherish them. Let them know that you are always there for them. Sometimes, your silent listening provides the precise answers they need. 

I speak from life experiences. My children now have busy lives of their own, with seemly less time to stay in contact with parents and grandparents. With the advent of technology, the phone is seldom used. How I love it when I can hear the voice of one of my precious children or grandchildren. A Facebook message, an email or text is lovely but hearing the live voice of a child can bring such joy to my heart. I miss my children and grandchildren a lot. 

Savor the moments when your family is together and defiantly take hundreds of photos and keep a journal. I am so grateful that I can go back and revisit the treasured moments of my past.