As we face the end of a parent's life, sometimes we get very caught up in how life will be "after".
So, today, share with us a memory. Maybe your earliest memory of your mother or father, or one that represents their role in your life.
I'll start.
In a week, my father will have been gone six years.
One of the earliest memories I have is of him playing the guitar. That was a constant - music on an acoustic guitar. As a baby, I had three stuffed friends, and the rag dog was named TeeTah - my baby-speak for 'guitar'.
He played whenever he was home. He was a long-haul trucker for several years and so the guitar didn't go with him, but when he was home, it was as if that instrument grounded him, brought him back to us. He particpated in country/western bands with other local fellas, and in later years, my sister performed with him.
I can't imagine him without music, and to this day there are still songs that immediately bring him to mind.
Share a memory. What can you tell us about your parent?
My grandmother passed away 2 years ago and just the other night, a memory came flooding back to me. I had just bought my youngest son a "Disney Lullaby" CD and the song "When you wish upon a Star", came on. All of a sudden, I was a little girl again and my grandmother was singing that song to me. I burst into tears and my son was thoroughly confused as to why mommy was crying and singing at the same time. :)
Thanks for sharing your memory of your grandfather, Laura!
Lisa
Oh, Lisa, that's so sweet! What a lovely memory. I have many like that as well. It's amazing what we do remember when certain things trigger the memory. Thanks for sharing that! 
My mom died a year and half ago, but tonight - watching Obama on TV on Super Tuesday - I'm reminded of my mom talking about him. She lived in Illinois and he was her Senator. She loved his wit and speaking ability, as well as his position on social issues. "And, Andrew, he's so good looking!"...I can clearly hear her saying. I know she's cheering for him tonight (and I'm missing talking to her about it).
I lost my father in 1997 and my mother less than a month ago. I hurt, and either sleep too much or too little. But I hold onto my memories like treasures. This is a great subject.
My father - his cheerful attitude, spontaneously dancing in the kitchen.
Later favorite memories include one where we were going down the elevator at the Port Authority in NYC, and everyone there was so serious. My father started singing "Just a Spoonful of Medicine Makes the Medicine Go Down" (from Mary Poppins). By the time the elevator landed, everyone was smiling and laughing together. I have never seen so many strangers travelling to NYC smile and laugh like that since. It is a testament to his friendly character, but also a lesson to me of how we can influence and lift up others in just a moment's interaction.
My mother - a cat draped around her shoulders, her singing in the kitchen.
Later memory includes her singing spontaneously by herself in the kitchen.
She had a wonderful voice, and it taught me that we can be happy even by ourselves. I try to hold onto that lesson when the loneliness sets in - alone does not have to mean lonely.
I have started a journal of each stage of my life, and I am writing a list of all the good memories with each parent. What a wonderful gift I was give to have them as parents, and what ongoing life lessons are hidden in each memory!
Join our social communities:
Receive the latest news and tips in your inbox