Souvenirs

“Life without memories is like a spring without roses.”

As we start this first full week of the new year, it is exciting to think about what memories we will each create and collect this coming year.  Take time to record those special moments that come your way.  Whether you snap a photo at a celebration or take time to jot down something funny your child or grandchild says, or re-tell an old favorite story of a memory at a family gathering, keeping a record of these lovely moments in life is like storing up and collecting precious treasures.

Just a couple of weeks ago we had the pleasure of being a part of a surprise birthday celebration for one of our chums, “Auntie Helen” who is 89 years young.  Our very dear chum, Connie, threw a birthday party for Helen who is her aunt…her mother’s youngest sister.

Helen still plays the accordion several times each week to entertain and inspire “old people” who need some joy in their lives. Helen says they enjoy so much “remembering” special times in their lives when they hear a familiar tune.  What a gift it is to give people the joy of remembering….of looking in their own treasure chest of memories.  We tend to think we will never forget the sweet comment a child makes or the funny story that made us laugh until we could hardly breathe, but unless we write these things down or take a photo that marks the moment, these precious times sometimes fade from memory and that special comment or celebration or happy moment is gone.

Another friend recently gave us yet one more reason for documenting and cherishing life’s special times.   She recently wrote in an e-mail, “I read a saying not too long ago – ‘Cherish each moment;  for they make a fine cushion in old age’.  My cushion is becoming very big and fluffy!”

Here’s to a year of each of us building “big and fluffy cushions” full of many lovely memories and lots of love, joy and abundant living 🙂