Do you have those moments in your life that you see something, hear something or smell something and it takes you back to a moment in your life? For instance, when I smell fresh asphault, I always think of Silver Dollar City. The only reason I know why is because that is what I smelled the first time we ever went there. So, it takes me back to those days.
Well today, right after I left for work, I got behind a man in an old pick-up truck. And by all means, he was not going slow - he was putting the foot to the pedal! But once we got to the stop light, and as we waited for the light to turn green, I noticed him. He was probably well into his 70's, baseball cap on, overalls, big leak of who knows what underneath the car, and it brought me back to a moment - my Pappaw.
My Mammaw and Pappaw were very special to me. They were the best grandparents anyone could ever ask for. And you know what? They didn't have much...but they had love. And that's the best thing anyone can ever give.
So, as I drove the 30 minutes to work this morning, I remembered them. How Mammaw fervently filled her hummingbird feeder everyday and waited for the hummingbirds to show up. To this day, I still have yet to see that many hummingbirds. How she was always so excited when the kids and grandkids would show up for a visit. How she made the BEST fried chicken, mashed potatoes, biscuits and gravy. Even her scrambled eggs and toast! Oh...and her desserts... Everything was better when she cooked it. And how I never once heard her complain about anything - not even about the cancer that was eating up inside her and eventually took her life.
And how my Pappaw lived to watch sports on tv. There was no way we would ever be able to stay in the living room and watch tv while a game was on. We were so thankful when they finally put a tv in the back bedroom. Or that he owned his own business and he strived to make people happy - always putting others before himself. How he was very short tempered and would just let you have it once you got him revved up (and people wonder where I get it from!). How he always had a baseball cap on, with those dirty blue jeans and cowboy boots - or his tennis shoes that he never laced up. How its a good thing everyone in town knew him, especially the policemen, because he was constantly speeding and getting pulled over. How he loved my Mammaw so unconditionally that I honestly think he died of a broken heart - just 6weeks after my Mammaw did.
Grandparents are a treasure. I no longer have grandparents in my life, and haven't for quite some time now. But, the memories I have of them...the sights, sounds, smells...will last me a lifetime. I miss them a lot today...and everyday.
1 comment:
I know exactly what you mean. Every time I smell bleach, it makes me think about the YMCA and the smell that the pool has. I will NEVER forget that smell.
Oh and by the way---G does run and it was him you saw. How random is that? Hope to see you soon!
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