Old Friends and Memories

I heard that an old friend had some things close to his heart stolen.  These were items that were cherished, and because they had belonged to love ones now gone added to the value of the loss.  If we are lucky we can conjure up images of happy days with loved ones now gone.  I will try to trace my steps through my grandparents home.

I remember going to the 5:00 pm Christmas service at Saint Andrews Church on the corner of Leigh Street and Graydon Avenue.  After this Christmas Eve pageant, I would walk to my maternal grandparents home at 931 Graydon Ave.  I walked up the steps to the wide front porch opening the front door to candle light and Christmas tree lights.  My grandmother, Nana would be there with open arms to greet me.  She always gave me a kiss.  Her kisses were some what wet because of her false teeth.  I remember wiping my cheek.  What I would give now for one more hug and one of those wet kisses.  The rest of the family was gathered there ready for eggnog and Christmas Eve dinner.  After dinner the table was spread with home made cookies, fruit cake, and crystallized grapefruit and orange rinds, some of which were dipped in chocolate.  The neighbors were invited to drop by for eggnog and desert.  I particularly remember Betsy and Boo Martin coming by.  Boo and I were excited about what we would get for Christmas.

When I shut my eyes and remember I still can feel the warm of the family.  I try retracing my steps mentally and somehow it works.

Things are tangible items that possibly spark memories, but are not necessary to those memories.