May 1, 2006

SK102 - The Memories We Keep

Last Monday I called and talked to my Grandma. Grandma Hilda, at 93 years old, still has a mind as sharp as any time I remember her while growing up. But her body is letting her down. Her hearing failing, hunched over as she walks from room to room in her large house.

Grandma Hilda's maiden name is Hines. Hilda Hines is a direct decedent of John Hines, the first child born in the Plymouth Rock settlement. A very independent woman, I remember her being a bit upset when my father moved in to take care of her and my grandfather because my father took over the grass mowing duties when she was in her late 70s. But Grandma Hilda outlived both my father and grand father and now she lives alone 6 days a week. My uncle and aunt bring her supplies on Sunday - or any other day if needed - but mostly on Sunday.

During those 6 days I imagine she is alone with her memories. She tells me about the ones she has kept in her mind and relives some of them with me when I call. We talk about Katie's horse and she tells me about the horses she cared for as a young girl. 'Pop' would bring the work horses in from the field and it was her chore to clean and water them, but she tells me to her it wasn't a chore.

Grandma Hilda tells me about the mayor of the town she was born in inviting her for a town celebration, honoring her as the oldest person born in the town. Another memory she keeps.

It got me thinking about the memories that I keep. The ones that I will recall if I'm fortunate to one day be 93.

I could tell you about the classes I taught this weekend. The new friends I met. The old friends I got to see again. I could tell you about the camaraderie, the cookout, the camp fire, flare exercise, the music, the gear swap and how nice the weather was. But I think the most important thing I can say is "Thank You". Thank you to Laura, Brian, Teresa and David, the instructors, every one of the volunteers and the friendly participants. Thank you my friends for giving me a keeper.

Pictures

Woody