White clouds scattered a cornflower blue sky. I closed my eyes and breathed in the sweet fragrance of roses in my grandmother’s garden. What a perfect English July day.
I soaked up the warmth of the sun and listened as the breeze stirs the trees. Unfairly, they enticed me to linger. I was already reluctant to leave and return to Massachusetts with its sweltering heat, where my husband and I had relocated only three months earlier.
However, I needed to get on the road. I had at least a two-hour journey to make before I checked-in for my flight at Heathrow airport.
Make the most of every moment.
I proudly place the latest great granddaughter in my grandmother’s lap. “Oh, my dear,” she sighed, “what is she wearing? Navy blue is not a colour for a baby.”
I had considered the one-piece to be pretty with its dainty white flowers on a dark blue background. It was practical, too, for a long plane ride. And, the color suited my pale-skinned little girl with her big blue eyes, so I thought. The outfit clearly upset my grandmother’s sensibilities.
I decided to let the comment go. Other things were more important. “One photo with four generations,” I suggested with a lump in my throat.
The photograph now sits above my desk, attached to a pin board containing other snapshots of my life.
A picture captures a moment in time. It pulls us into the occasion so we laugh, or cry, or simply just remember with fondness the little things.
Grandma grasped the finger of my five-month-old daughter. I should have dressed my baby in pink that day. My dad is the photographer. I can hear my mom reprimanding him as we studied the shot: “Oh look; you got the strap of the camera in the photograph. Can’t you take a proper photo?” My dad just shrugged his shoulders and muttered to himself—his way of dealing with my mum’s flippant comment.
It’s a special memory. Bittersweet.
Not all of us are able to share a hug, a gift, or a meal with a mother or grandmother, but we can keep and share a memory as a treasure. Share your memories in a comment below.
Are you a mother or a grandmother? Pray for your children and grandchildren using these prayer prompts: Prayers for Mothers & Grandmothers.
I remember your lovely Mum Rachel, and her special friendship with my own Mother who looked after you lots when you were a baby. Specialmemories
Jean, your Mum was beautiful too. I have such happy memories of staying at your home.