As I was grocery shopping shortly after the loss of my first husband; I became overwhelmed at the site of a jar of pickled pork hocks. Of all things - pork hocks! It was one his favorites, and an occaisional treat. I stood there almost breathless struggling to hold back the tears. I just stood there and stared. The pain in my face must have been apparent as a sweet little lady appoached me and asked "ma'am are you alright?" It snapped me back to reality and I answered that I was fine, "It's just those blasted pork hocks." I told her I had recently lost my husband and she touched my arm expressing her sympathy. We talked for a little bit and then continued onto our shopping.
That was over 10 years ago and I've lost several close relatives and friends since then. Limburger cheese reminds me of my dad, along with suffolks sheep and many other things too numerous to list. An amaryllis plant always reminds me of my Grandma. She gave it a good run and passed away just before her 102nd birthday. Roosters and snow villages remind me of my Aunt. Hairspay - a classmate etc. etc. 
This morning as I was getting ready for the day, I glanced in the mirror and I swear my sister was looking back at me. My bangs swept across my forehead in such a way that it shocked me at just how much we looked alike.
I don't wallow in my losses, I know they are all out of pain and misery and with our Lord, believing I will see them agian. But in the mean time I will enjoy every passing memory I have, whether its pork hocks, hair or whatever. Memories are a gift!
8 comments:
Okay... you did it ~ you succeeded in putting a lump in my throat. Great post! Just curious... what do you think it'll be of me that'll be the reminder object?? Ahhh... we have such sweet memories and have been so blessed to have had such wonderful people in our lives. Love ya!! Have a great day!!!!
Lana Banana lives on ya'll-
She's just got a better place to live!
Love and hugs - me
Mel, You along with all the family would be in the "dad" category ~ Too many reminders to list! :) Didn't mean to put a lump in your throat... just one of those days.
Lana would have been 61 today ... been thinking about her all day long. She was a wonderful sister. She sure did know how to put a smile on her face no matter the circumstances. May we all be as kind-hearted and as strong willed as she was.
It's funny the things that can remind you of people, whether they've passed on or not. I can't look at a can of Reddi Whip without grinning and thinking of my uncle; sheep and chickens and certain dogs make me think of him too. I miss him lots, we lost him very unexpectedly a few years ago. But, I try not to get too sad when I think of him and just focus on happy times we shared. He was a prankster so there are plenty of happy memories to think about. There really are so many "every day" things that make me think of loved ones I've lost over the years... and that prompt me to call (or email) loved ones who are still here for me to keep making new memories with. =)
I enjoyed your post and think it's a wonderful tribute to the memories of your loved ones.
Like you, There's so many things that remind me of my loved ones who've passed. It's so bittersweet to see the items or hear a phrase and remember, but it's precious too, to have the memories and the warm remembrance of a loved one.
Wishing you a pleasant weekend!
:)
I'm bawling my eyes and heart out over your wonderful tribute...I too have been thinking of Lana all day and her smile and laughing her teeth out...she LOVED to LAUGH, didn't she?
And it never took much to tickle her funnybones. Remember the Halloween and the Eyeballs she wore under her glasses,? well, today I spent the day with our Hannah and she wore this crazy mask nearly all afternoon that reminded me of Lana. She had such fun staring down the hunting crew with that goofy face and laughter was contagious...just like Lana's.
Thanks for this post...you warmed my heart right down to the amaryllis and the stinky cheese...Blessings Be Yours Sweet Sister...Blessings Be Yours
THat is a beautiful amaryllis. Love the red colouyr, so nice for Christmas
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