Yesterday, September 11th, with the 7th year of the World Trade Center, I found myself remembering, "where were you that day?" kind of thoughts. I remember that day so clearly. Sure I remember the stuff on tv. But what really stands out in my mind is that was the day my mom returned to work after being off for a while for chemo. She was NED (no evidence of disease) and had returned to work that day for the City of Kalamazoo. Being a government building they were on lock down. I remember calling her that day to see what was happening in her building. That day will always be linked to that phone call. Just a few months later she started having some problems with her back and that is when we found out that her cancer had spread.
This morning I am sitting in the basement, watching Wieland play. He came across a box of some things I had packed away. One box that he hadn't actually been into yet. He pulled out my Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls my mom had made for me for Christmas one year. I wish I could remember what year. I know I was a teen. I had said I wanted some and she surprised me by making them for Christmas. She wasn't able to get the clothes done in time so I opened naked dolls on Christmas morning. I was really surprised.
As Wieland looked them over, of course he had to see if they had "butts" and I said, "Let's look. I think Mom put something on their butt." Nope, nothing. I guess I remembered wrong. A little later Wieland was pulling up their clothes and found a heart with the words, "I Love You" on their chest, right over their hearts. I said, "I don't think Grandma thought about the fact that one day her grandson would be playing with this doll. She loves you too." Tears started to flow from my eyes. I explained she was probably watching him right now from heaven. Then of course I had to explain heaven. Now I am having to explain, in Wieland's words, "Why am I just whining?" as he wipes my tears with my shirt collar.
I am so thankful that I have these surprise moments of memories. I am lucky that she hand made me such wonderful things that will be saved and played with for generations. She left us her music so we will always have her voice. I just wish she were still here.
This morning I am sitting in the basement, watching Wieland play. He came across a box of some things I had packed away. One box that he hadn't actually been into yet. He pulled out my Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls my mom had made for me for Christmas one year. I wish I could remember what year. I know I was a teen. I had said I wanted some and she surprised me by making them for Christmas. She wasn't able to get the clothes done in time so I opened naked dolls on Christmas morning. I was really surprised.
As Wieland looked them over, of course he had to see if they had "butts" and I said, "Let's look. I think Mom put something on their butt." Nope, nothing. I guess I remembered wrong. A little later Wieland was pulling up their clothes and found a heart with the words, "I Love You" on their chest, right over their hearts. I said, "I don't think Grandma thought about the fact that one day her grandson would be playing with this doll. She loves you too." Tears started to flow from my eyes. I explained she was probably watching him right now from heaven. Then of course I had to explain heaven. Now I am having to explain, in Wieland's words, "Why am I just whining?" as he wipes my tears with my shirt collar.
I am so thankful that I have these surprise moments of memories. I am lucky that she hand made me such wonderful things that will be saved and played with for generations. She left us her music so we will always have her voice. I just wish she were still here.
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