When you’re in the midst of health struggles, or battles of life thrown your way to fight off – it’s easy to be so absorbed in tasks at hand that you miss little things that helped you create happy memories.
Those little things are easier to notice in retrospect. Looking back makes it possible to find gratitude in how life continues on and brings you joy in the memories you’ve made along the way.
Gratitude changes the pangs of memory into a tranquil joy. – Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Memories of how much a simple stuffed animal caused one to smile.
Or how you didn’t realize that would be your last Christmas – so you’re thankful you grabbed as many hugs as you could before your time together as mother and daughter were over.
Or how much your kids have grown in 7 years time – and how they have Nana’s twinkle in their eyes and faces with smiles that look a lot like hers.
And how you’re thankful someone took pictures of the awkwardness your family felt at the time.
With time in-between memories, and a reflection of gratitude you’re able to smile with joy. And you remember that through all of those trials you were there together making memories you’ll always treasure.
Post Inspiration – Thanksgiving Quotes and Dutch Goes the Photo – Tuesday Photo Challenge Memories
Its the time of year that makes us miss those we lost even more. I am glad you got some good hugs in while you could.
Yes, it is. Me too 🙂
Shelley, this is such a beautiful tribute to your mom and family. Isn’t it wonderful how photos are able to capture and freeze moments in time such as these. Such a treasure. Happy Thanksgiving!
Thank you, your encouragement is appreciated. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family – enjoy every hug and smile and goofy photo you can!
That’s the plan! 😊
This is beautiful Shelley. When my grandmother’s neighbor called and said “this might be Minnie’s last Christmas – she looks terrible and very weak – her heart is not strong” my mother and I drove to Toronto and celebrated Christmas with her, just one month after we celebrated her 80th birthday with her (she did not look bad at that time, despite her existing heart problems), and one month before a massive heart attack ended her life. I have pictures of that Christmas of 1985 and will use them in a post one day. I am so glad that we went. You never know what is around the bend … that is why I always tell people to tell your loved ones how much you love them now, not to wait until they pass away and then stand over their grave saying “if only I had been there for them more often, or called more, etc., etc.” … don’t have regrets.
Thank you, Linda. Your advice is excellent – don’t have regrets. I’m glad you made it there to see Minnie in 1985 and that you’ll share the pictures in a post sometime. It’s nice to have bends in life to write about so others can benefit from our thoughts. Hugs to you as you share each journey! xx
Thank you Shelley – I was thinking maybe this year, not sure … I try to reach back into my past to pull out a Christmas story to share … maybe it is time to share that one. Happy Thanksgiving to you Shelley.
Yes, I look forward to reading it!!
Your daughters do echo the beauty of your mother’s soul. How blessed are you to have such a gorgeous family #very!
Thank you, Lisa, I appreciate your kind words!