memories are a blessing

gramma Dee · Joined: 02 Dec 2005 Posts: 3

Grampa Charley and I visited the "Andrew Tree" at our pond recently and found it doing well, protected from deer by a wide encircling fence placed there by Charley.
We planted it with our family, including Andrew's uncle Glen, on Thanksgiving Day. It was a wildly "blizzardous" day with snow blowing sideways,all of us tearful, except Jessie, who was carried away with the pure energy of the blowing snow, running in full motion, laughing as she stuck out her tongue to catch the "Chocolate Frosties", as she called the snowflakes. [white chocolate, I guess]. I had to suspect that a big brother was running with her, as bursts of such pure fun and delight was one of his trademarks.
Charley chose a Hickory for remembering Andrew as it is a strong tree, strong as our memories of him and strong as we knew him to be.
As we approach this Christmas I keep remembering last Christmas with our house full of family and friends. Charley was doing a "Charleyism", trying to be "right" in a discussion when finally he conceded and said "I'm going to shut my mouth". Without missing a beat, Andrew said [with no disrespect] "why Charley, I never thought I'd hear you say that". I don't know if anyone else caught this but I thought quietly to myself "you go, boy". I felt happy for Andrew to be that comfortable with us and with himself.
Each day is a challenge of going on with life as we miss Andrew and other loved ones. May it ease our hearts to believe that they are with us as they continue their Spirit work.
Blessings to all and Peace, Gramma Dee and Grampa Charley