Sometimes we are fortunate enough to look past what lies on the surface and find pleasure in unexpected places. Before our children started school, we decided it would be best if I put off working until they started school. Most days, the children and I were home. I rambled the lanes around our rural home were on foot pulling the little ones in a red wagon behind me.
We frequently strolled to a lovely old pre-Civil War cemetery with off a gravel road near our home.. The children were fascinated by the tall, graceful tombstones and loved running between them, seeking out their favorites with angels, little lambs, ornate curlicues, or crypts enclosed within wrought-iron fences.
In their exuberant innocence, they played happily in the deep shade under the ancient oaks, having no knowledge of death or its connection to their favorite destination. Sometimes they sat in the sand of the unpaved tracks, playing with their trucks or other small toys. To them, it was no more than a park. As often as not, I spread a blanket on the grass for them to picnic on peanut butter and jam sandwiches, milk and cookies.
Later, they’d stretch out on the blanket while I read to them, sometimes drifting off for their naps. Late in the afternoon, We’d walk home in the long shadows as they searched for little treasures of pretty stones, colorful bird feathers, or bright flowers or toss small stones from their vantage point on a small wooden bridge into the clear creek below.
I cherish the memory of those lovely afternoons and hope that the souls resting beneath that cool green carpet of grass enjoyed the laughter of children playing and the time we shared with them.
I will ask them. Thanks for the idea. I hope the statue of limitations has run out!
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Thank you.
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I love these memories. And I think it’s wonderful.
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Thanks. I took a nine year break from work to raise the children. Best decision I ever make. We were poor as churchmice, but it didn’t matter. We forged a bond with the kids that never broke during the toughest times.
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You should give lessons. I love these stories.
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Maybe you should ask my kids.
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I would love to hear some of your kids stories! Maybe they would guest write and give us a different perspective. 😉
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My mother is doing one for you.
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Oh! I can’t wait!!!! 🙂
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The stories are the lessons.
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What a great memory! And I am sure those old souls loved every footfall and giggle and imitation truck noise.
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I hope so. I enjoyed their company.
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“get off my lawn!!” ;o)
Sounds like a great spot and great memories. You have grand-kids?
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An 11 year old and an infant.
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girl and two boys 3, 5 & 7. Best job I ever had, being granpa
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Best job n the world!
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How lovely that you had that time with your children. Too many parents today don’t have that, or don’t want it.
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We were fortunate.
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A lovely memory!
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Thanks. It’s precious to me.
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I can see why. 🙂
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