The past few weeks have been blurring by at a fast pace. I am not sure how we passed Jenn and Kory's week-long visit with Charlie, Elijah's first birthday, Fourth of July, Samantha's third birthday and Jack and Kami's 15th anniversary! All very special events in our family. Each one of those days should have been celebrated with joy and enthusiasm. They were here, and then gone! - for another year. I wish those days could be captured and called up at will. But, they are: memories stored in the feel-good places of my mind. A mind's eye photo that can be recalled at will. Laughter in the pool and at the beach with Jenn and all the kids, chasing Charlie and Beaux across the yard, scooping up bowls of icecream for Kory. Elijah ripping open his first wrapped presents, not knowing what to expect. Kicking the balls across the floor and pushing buttons to light up toys and play cheerful music. "Uh-oh!" Singing Happy Birthday and watching the little ones scoop the icing onto their fingers, leaving the moist cake behind. Smiles, and hugs. Fireworks, parades, kids laughing and people greeting one another in the streets. The smell of back yard barbeques and cooling off in the pool. Watching Sami open her gifts and wearing ALL the hair ribbons at the same time. Twirling in "beautiful dresses" and giggles that melt your heart. Hugs and kisses and dreams of a past wedding day, that seems like a "lifetime - second" away. First years together, first grandchildren, first homes, and feeling like you've been a part of an eternity of memories. No wonder we are admonished to think on the good things. Sweet memories flood the mind and the soul, breaking down those painful, hurtful things that can destroy peace in our hearts and homes. I am ever grateful for all the good I can recall.
