Cherished Memories

"Each item in a collection has its own story, its own memory- the search, the day you bought it, who you
were with, the vacation..._Tricia Guild and Elizabeth Wilhide

I own many collections. However, there is none greater than my
collection of fond memories. Keeping a journal is one way to capture
those memories. Revisiting our most cherished memories can restore hope
or faith, ignite forgotten treasures, prompt a desire, or simply remind
us of how precious someone or something can be.

The year I wrote this journal, I was reading Simple Abundance by Sarah
Ban Breathnach. I wrote pages of things that I was grateful for in my
everyday life. Things like one-day workshops, becoming a member of
Toastmaster's & Liberty Bell Speakers Association, attending a
business class, joined a woman's investment club, participated in Earth
Run, letting go of 20 year career, trip to California, Heart & Soul
workshop, new job, and entering a 2 year apprenticeship program. They
all hold fond memories, but the one that stands out the most is on
Mother's Day, May 11, 1997. Here's the raw excerpt from my journal:

"My two beautiful children, it is Mother's Day today and I had a
wonderful day thanks to Jaime and Danny. First I got to relax at home
since both of my children are later in the day people. I went to Jaime's
house first, at 2:00. I had told her I wanted to be treated like a
Queen for the day. And boy did she ever! She bought me a crown, which I
wore for the majority of the day. She also bought me a pin that said, TO
THE GREATEST MOM IN THE WORLD. I wore it all day. And wrote me a nice
letter. Then she took me to Tyler State Park with a packed picnic lunch_
(black cherry soda & root beer, fried chicken, coleslaw, potato
salad, crackers & cheese). At the park she rubbed my feet, my back,
stroked my hair in the sun while resting my head on her lap. Jaime put
on a skit & we danced in the field together, and to top it off which
to me was the best part she carried me piggy back across the field and
told me she wanted me to feel what it feels like to be carried, I cried.

Then to Danny's house. He made me a delicious dinner, ham
cornbread, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, & salad. We spent time
together in the kitchen talking while he prepared dinner. He also gave
me a beautiful card that let me know he loves me & acknowledges
change. At the bottom he hand wrote that he is proud of my
accomplishments. What a great day! I am truly grateful to be so blessed
with two beautiful children that are now adults.



I hope this shared journal writing will prompt you to remember a fond
memory. Now, I want to encourage you to write your favorite memory out.
It's not enough to simply remember, the real growth and change comes in
the awareness you'll receive in writing your memory. Look at how it
applies to your life today.After your finished writing, answer these
following questions. Is there something you want to change? Do you have a
new expectation? Is there someone in your life that you would like to
talk with about your thoughts and feelings? What are you feeling? Has
this writing exercise evoked an unmet need? What if anything can you do
about it? Please feel free to share your experience, your memory, your
thoughts and feelings by commenting, or sending me a message.