by Stephanie Sorensen (CMA at Lakeside)
Memories are the center pieces of our mind. Certain smells, times of the year, holidays. Memories come to us like the waves of the ocean. Whether it's happy times or heartbreaks, memories are what bind us together.
Betty reminded me of this often, when I would ask of her favorite memories. One day she had me imagining myself sitting on a towel in the hot sand, listening to the waves crash, the smell of salt in the ocean, the wind hitting my face, and the sun kissing my skin. Clear blue skies for miles and miles. Seagulls chirping, sweeping in trying to take the last bit of food a child had left on the ground. Children laughing, running, playing. Building sandcastles, and making memories with loved ones, and friends.
“It was the summer of 1987” she states. The glow in her eyes did the talking for her. “My kids were laughing, playing, running around. The family was gathered. My favorite memories are of my family.”
As she goes on to tell her story, her eyes glisten more, and she dances around the room, as her memories fill her mind like music.
“Now, I remember all of us going out to the East Coast. It was summer-time, and the kids were filled with excitement about going swimming and spending time with our family. Don’t get me wrong, we did have some downs” She continues saying “I remember we had to take our daughter who was about 8 years old at the time to the ER” She chuckles “Of course you have to take the good with the bad, but if that was the worst thing that happened, then it was an awesome trip.”
I asked her if going to the East Coast was her favorite memory. She swung her arms, and had the biggest smile on her face, as her eyes glowed like a child’s at Christmas time. She started swinging her arms and moved her legs back and forth as if she was doing the Waltz.
“It’s not just the beach that was my favorite, it's all the memories I have spending time with my family. Those are the best memories I could ever ask for. It is a gift that so many people take for granted, making memories with your loved ones.”
Thank you for the many talks & memories, Betty. I will forever love you. ~Steph
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