MEMORABLE MEMORIES
I got together recently with some girlfriends from the old neighborhood, from the old days. A group of friends that I hung out with when our children were toddlers, having met in day care and/or church, we have kept in touch for many years.
Although none of us live in the old neighborhood now, it didn't stop us from reminiscing and having a great time, thinking about how different we are now.
It was a sweet time, of innocence among us all, where no one was yet hurt or abused. Where young men didn't get shot or young girls get pregnant. It was a calmer time, and although we would never have dreamed of the turns our lives would take nearly thirty years later, we were forming friendships that would last a life time. We were the life line to each other when things were really tough, and many of us held on to that line for dear life.
We remembered the stirrings of first marrieds and not having much money, but lots of hungry mouths to feed. It gave impetus to going back to school, to becoming nurses and teachers and secretaries, and the search for independence we so craved. We loved our children and our husbands but quickly realized there was so much more to who were than that. A lot was lost in the battle for survival.
Dinner was used to consist of chicken breasts and salads - these days we eat Mexican and flan. Gone are the worries of gaining an extra pound or two. Missing also is the makeup and the ton of hair spray. Our hair, although different shades at different times, now flows freely and unencumbered, much like our lifestyles. Our faces are tan, our bodies golden working out and working in the yard or traveling to visit children who no longer live near.
We talked about our sons who have gone off to the military, those who had done their duties and those whose commitment was almost completed. We remembered baseball games and boy scout meetings, cheerleading practice and all the drama of first loves lost.
As we sat and drank our Mexican liquor and munched on chips slathered with guacamole dip, we also marveled at our beautiful daughters, now all grown and graduating from college, or the school of hard knocks. We smile as they turn on the music and dance together on the living room floor, imploring us to do the same with them. For it wasn't that long ago it was so uncool to dance with your mother; now they couldn't imagine anyone who didn't.
How fitting that we would share these memories during the month of May, the holiday of Memorial Day, a time where we honor those who have fallen before their time.
How wonderful we had all fallen at one time or another, but were strong enough to get back up.
Happy Memorial Day to one and all - keep making memorable memories.
Although none of us live in the old neighborhood now, it didn't stop us from reminiscing and having a great time, thinking about how different we are now.
It was a sweet time, of innocence among us all, where no one was yet hurt or abused. Where young men didn't get shot or young girls get pregnant. It was a calmer time, and although we would never have dreamed of the turns our lives would take nearly thirty years later, we were forming friendships that would last a life time. We were the life line to each other when things were really tough, and many of us held on to that line for dear life.
We remembered the stirrings of first marrieds and not having much money, but lots of hungry mouths to feed. It gave impetus to going back to school, to becoming nurses and teachers and secretaries, and the search for independence we so craved. We loved our children and our husbands but quickly realized there was so much more to who were than that. A lot was lost in the battle for survival.
Dinner was used to consist of chicken breasts and salads - these days we eat Mexican and flan. Gone are the worries of gaining an extra pound or two. Missing also is the makeup and the ton of hair spray. Our hair, although different shades at different times, now flows freely and unencumbered, much like our lifestyles. Our faces are tan, our bodies golden working out and working in the yard or traveling to visit children who no longer live near.
We talked about our sons who have gone off to the military, those who had done their duties and those whose commitment was almost completed. We remembered baseball games and boy scout meetings, cheerleading practice and all the drama of first loves lost.
As we sat and drank our Mexican liquor and munched on chips slathered with guacamole dip, we also marveled at our beautiful daughters, now all grown and graduating from college, or the school of hard knocks. We smile as they turn on the music and dance together on the living room floor, imploring us to do the same with them. For it wasn't that long ago it was so uncool to dance with your mother; now they couldn't imagine anyone who didn't.
How fitting that we would share these memories during the month of May, the holiday of Memorial Day, a time where we honor those who have fallen before their time.
How wonderful we had all fallen at one time or another, but were strong enough to get back up.
Happy Memorial Day to one and all - keep making memorable memories.
