“I remember…”

Two words that can stretch out to so many more words if one sat down to really dig deep and allow your mind to wander.

Before I sat down in my comfy chair to write, I took a trip down memory lane, viewing all the thousands and thousands of colorful photos I have stored on my phone and also in the many large family photo albums that line the shelves tucked down beneath the darkened stairwell, hardly touched in a long long while.

As I begin a course in writing, one of the first exercises is to write a list of phrases beginning with the words “I remember….” and see what the subconscious mind brings forth. I decided to pull a few photos out of the vault, that sparked those memories alive.

“I remember…” those many fun filled moments with my first grandson, where he took me to a place of “Nothing Matters!’ so very often. He taught me that within each and everyone of us, there’s a kid that needs to come out and play, each and every day. From colorful masks, to batman and clown costumes, colorful Lego and tumbling building blocks, you name it, we explored it all. This, I remember well.

“I remember…” the magnificent beauty of our thoroughbred horses when they were harnessed and hooked to the nostalgic chuckwagon, so eagerly heading off to the races. Four mighty hearts beating in unison, their finely trimmed hooves echoing the symphony of strength, each embodying a powerful force that moves not just a wagon, but the very spirit of teamwork and unity. This, I remember well.

“I remember…” the immense apprehensive feeling I felt, the first time I learned from my son, of his purchase of a shiny new silver, Harley Davidson motorcycle. Although this momma raised her kids and released them to fly from the nest freely and live their ingrained vivid dreams, there always will lie within her, a concern for their utmost safety wherever their travels do take them.

“I remember…” the day my son, so excited to head on out, with an eager sense of freedom to drive the open highways with his longtime friend Tim. With his saddle bags tightly packed upon his lustrous iconic and powerful machine, the world was his oyster, awaiting to secure experiences they would forever carry to their graves, with no regret left behind.

“I remember…” the deep, throaty growl of his Harley’s engine when it came to life, as he gripped the wide handlebars, assumed a comfortable riding stance, clicked it into gear, and drove down the long paved driveway, ever so slowly. With a tear in his momma’s eyes, and a wave to say goodbye, the renowned distinctive sound gradually diminished slowly and faded until a deafening silence remained. This, I remember well.

“I remember…” the warm sandy beach, the welcoming waves, and the much needed sunshine that keeps ones spirit alive. As I sat and enjoyed the breathtaking beach of Costa Rica, my eyes gazed upon the people as they walked by. I couldn’t help but notice the youthful father and his petite little daughter, with her tiny delicate little hand tucked up safely in his sizeable palm. The bond between a father and his daughter shone brightly that day. This, I remember well.

“I remember…” the final, last special day with my father. The horses had been fed and watered, our friends, fans and family had arrived to celebrate our last hurrah. Together, with my ailing father, we sat and sipped on a glass of sweet red wine, watched the rambunctious kids run on by giggling, laughing and playing, all the while just enjoying being in each others presence. This, I remember well.

“I remember…” the time had come to say our goodbyes, and deep within my heart, I knew that I knew, it would be my last. I just knew. With a hug and a kiss, and a wave goodby, he was gone. Only to come to know, that 5 short weeks later, the man that I had come to know as my father, had received his angelic wings and the soft whisper of the creator beckoned him home. This, I remember well.

“I remember…” and hold so many glorious memories of my time at the renowned Calgary Stampede over the past 30 something years with my family. Each recollection is a portal to a moment once lived, some so vivid and vibrant, others soft and bittersweet. This, I remember well.

“I remember…” July 2018 would be one I would never forget. With a plethora of mixed emotions from, wild excitement, to apprehension, sadness and joy, I allowed myself to feel them all. The Stampede would be our families last, as retirement had been our decision. On the second day in, the news of my father had arrived, that he departed this earthly plane. With interviews of expressing the lifespan of holding the title of a Chuckwagon wife, to voicing the escalated emotions of parting ways with our equine companions, and closing that big ol barn door one last time, of the life that molded me into who I was, this I remember well.

“I remember…” one of the last Christmas gatherings we had together as a family. I was that Christmas card creator that loved to hand write that special family letter, insert that most current photo, excited to mail to loved ones abroad, each and every year. We came together to attempt to capture that one special photo, with all eyes opened and everyone looking towards that Nikon camera lens. Well, that didn’t happen. What we captured, was the most PERFECT Christmas Card photo ever! To my regret, I failed to get that card written that particular year and the photo remains within my archives of plentiful family fond memories. This, I remember well.

“I remember…” the vibrant autumn leaves, with the crisp rustle beneath our feet, as my grandchildren and I, danced and played among the golden fiery hues of leaves swirling all around us. Only to lie down and gaze up into the big bright beautiful blue sky. This, I remember well.

“I remember…” the fragrant lilac blossoms with their delicate clusters of small, tubular flowers, displaying hues of pale lavender, when my sweet young grandboys picked the branches so carefully and presented them to me. The mounting excitement within each of them, of giving a gift so beautiful in nature, warmed my heart to its fullest. This, I remember well.

“I remember…” this crisp winter night so well. With the easterly radiant moonlit night sky, casting a serene glow that turned the daylight into darkness, painting a canvas of silver brilliance. I stood so very still for quite some time, bathing in the enchanting glow of the moonlight, with the twinkling stars above embracing the tranquility of quietude. This night was filled with celestial whispers and silver dreams. Wondering and pondering, what my next chapter in life will be like. This, I remember well.

Won’t you take time to remember?

From Home on the Ranch

Sue

P.S. “Remember the whispers of yesterday, the laughter etched in time, and the silent promises of moments that still echo within the heart.”

Thank you for reading and do feel free to share I would appreciate that so very much. And if you would like to support my writings and photography, please click on the coffee cup link, and treat me to a cup of coffee— for this I am so very grateful.