Reminiscing

After reading a post by my niece on her blog recently, I was reminded of so many things that I miss from my own childhood.  

Running through trails that had been raked through the leaves on a crisp fall day.

Climbing trees and playing on rocks in the woods across the road from our house.

Riding my bike with the kids down the street on old country roads.

Mom's Fried Chicken, (it's still the best I have ever had).

Mom's Chicken n' Dumplings (these too, are the best I have ever had).

Sunday dinner gathered around the table with family while enjoying either one of the two dishes listed above!

Waking up to hear mom singing old southern gospel hymns on Saturday morning while cleaning. *In the summer, this was always accompanied by open windows and the smell of fresh cut grass.

Listening to Ann Murray's 'You Light Up My Life' at night when I was little and couldn't sleep. 

Our Friday night trips to the grocery store and Long John Silver's with Mom.

Visiting dad at work for dinner as a teenager.  *He worked 2nd shift.

Sitting in the bathroom with mom at night watching her 'roll' her hair while we talked.

Watching mom sew.

Climbing the trees and making mud pies in the front yard of my grandparents old farmhouse with my cousins.

Watching Papaw whittle on the front porch while it rained.

Summer days seemed to last forever, holidays were spent surrounded by family and the word 'stress' seemed like something from a foreign language.  Each time I see my parents, my brothers, their wives, my nieces and nephews I have memories that make me happy and sad all at the same time.  Happy because of the fun we have had and the experiences we have shared but sad because life now moves at lightning speed and the hours we spend together are now fewer and further between.  Lives are hectic, schedules are crazy, work is stressful and the days seem to get shorter and shorter with each passing one. Thankfully I have not only the memories of my childhood to look back on but also the opportunity to make more memories with the people I love the most!