Monday, March 28, 2011

One for the Ages

On rare occasions, there is a lull in my life where there are no current stories to share from the day. Today would be that day, but it gave me time to reflect on some stories of the past. I scanned through my picture folder and found a picture that spoke to me. It spoke to me for several reasons...this is a picture of a very important man in my life, a moment shared with my first child, and a memory that will have to last for the ages because it will not happen again. Let me begin...

This is my grandfather, Poppy, and this day is one that I will always remember. I lost my Pop a year ago and will continue to miss him dearly because he was a man for the ages. They don't make men like my Pop anymore. He was a hard worker, had a heart of gold, could always make you smile, made the best duck noises, and was never too busy for his grandkids or great-grandkids for that matter.

This picture was taken almost 3 years ago. I was in a mad rush to get out the door...always something that needed to be done. When I ran out the door, I found this...Pop and T trotting around the cul-de-sac with brooms between their legs. Pop's slow gallop was the perfect pace for T as he quickly mimicked everything that Pop did. Pop would move from one foot to the next, and T would try the same. Left, left, right, right! T started with the tail in his face but watched his Pop and quickly turned it around. Soon after the galloping began, came the neighs. A deep neigh with a gentle high pitched one echoed from behind. This was a moment were I stopped and realized how important the small moments are. I was never too busy to stop and watch T play with our Pop. Whether is was bowling on the linoleum, popping blocks together, making duck noises, or riding brooms outside. We may not be able to repeat this performance, but it runs through my brain like a song on repeat. I am thankful for this moment, this picture, and the time we had with my Pop.

9 comments:

  1. Dear Elizabeth,
    I love the description of Pop and T together. It is filled with warmth and makes the photo come alive. Keep browsing the photo album and memory for more stories.
    Terje

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  2. It's a beautiful memory, & how lucky that your own child had a 'taste' of Poppy. My grandparents were gone when my children came along & I am sorry for that-they were so special, like your grandfather. I love that you said you were never too busy to stop & watch, & that 'it runs through your brain like a song on repeat.' Glad you went through those photos!

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  3. You caught a great moment in picture and words. I will have to get out some pictures, too. Thanks for the idea.

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  4. I love that you took the time and took the picture! Even though it's a slice, it's amazing how big the memory truly is.

    Thanks for letting us into your life through this memory!

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  5. It took me a few clicks to get the picture to show up - I'm glad I persisted. This is such a statement to slowing down and recording precious memories!!

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  6. This is beautiful--your writing voice is full of emotion and memory. Love, love, love it.

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  7. I really enjoyed the image alongside your description- at first I could only see it, but your words allowed me to feel it, to hear it, and be there with you. You are doing your Pop proud!

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  8. What a great post...I could sense the deep love and appreciation you have for having had this wonderful person in your life. That photograph was precious!

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  9. Wonderful moment captured in your words and photo. I like how you started with a lull in your day today and wrote about creating lulls in the everyday life.

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