Memories. . .
They come out of nowhere and take you by surprise don’t they?
One did just that as I came across a wild garden at the side of a building. So many pretty flowers I thought.
These ones caught my eye; made my breath catch in my throat. They reminded me of my grandmother you see. My Nonna, the woman I was named after.
Santina. A name I wanted so badly to anglicize as a child. Now as an adult I keep it close to my heart and pull it out for special occasions.
Memories of…
- the way she rocked me to sleep
- the smell of bread baking in her kitchen
- how she told me she loved me the day I moved away
- how my heart broke when she no longer remembered me
Memories.
They sneak up and catch you off guard.
These ones – Hollyhocks – took me back to my childhood. I never knew what they were called, just that they grew at the side of Nonna’s house.
Today they wound their way around my heart.
Sandi,
What in the world is going on today?! That was so beautiful! Everything I’m reading is making me cry. I just keep thinking of my dad and feel an overwhelming feeling to visit him because his time might be short. He’s alone in a nursing home…about 2 1/2 hours away.
Honeysuckle’s do it for me…so many childhood memories.
Thanks Sandi!
Betsy
Betsy,
I was on your site the other day and it resonated deeply. One of the things I’m most proud of is the relationship I’ve had with my grandparents. It is beautiful and bittersweet. My grandma’s been gone a few years now and I still miss her. I’m fortunate though that my grandfather is alive and kicking at 90!
Beautiful . . . I think about my Grandma everyday. Striving to live my life as she did; with courage, strength and LOVE.
It’s a special relationship isn’t it? Thanks for sharing Vicki!
Hollyhocks remind me of bees buzzing and the endless, lazy, hot summer days of my childhood. And now they will remind me of a woman named Santina whom I never met but feel like I know just a little bit. She’s remembering you now, Sandi.
My grandma was quite a character and I like to think I inherited some of her best qualities. I think what struck me most about the flowers was the immediate impact, how the memory washed over me. Lovely and poignant, you know?
Yep, I know exactly what you mean. I think our memories are like a miraculous tap on the shoulder. Tap, tap, Remember? Tap, tap. Remember?
My grandma had hollyhocks in her garden too, and irises and lilies of the valley, gladiolas – can’t remember all the names. My most fond memory is the bumblebees. I never got stung, so I had no fear of them, and they were so cute! Sadly, I didn’t have the warm relationship with my grandma that you had with yours, but I remember her beautiful garden every time I see a bumble bee or an iris. Thanks for the memories!
My grandma had hollyhocks in her garden too, and irises and lilies of the valley, gladiolas – can’t remember all the names. My most fond memory is the bumblebees. I never got stung, so I had no fear of them, and they were so cute! Sadly, I didn’t have the warm relationship with my grandma that you had with yours, but I remember her beautiful garden every time I see a bumble bee or an iris. Thanks for the memories!
The thing I love about memories is how they trigger more memories 🙂
At least my Grandma never forgot me! I will always remember her! She was the one person who was always there for me, no matter what.
What a gift your grandma gave you!
Beautiful name. I have memories like yours that will come to life at unexpected times. I love those type.
Yes Glynis, those type of memories are my favourite kind. I love how they wash over me and take me back in time!
I,m sat at the dining room table with the sun streaming through the window ,and my memories take me back to my Grandma’s house
Grandma’s house at breakfast time was the best place ever.She would walk into the room and light up the place ,carrying a big plate of toast with Jam and REAL butter !! .Put everything on the table and give me the best cuddle you could ever imagine .A cherished memory .
What a wonderful memory Stephen. Thanks for sharing your grandma with us!