The Sweatshirt

“One of the greatest gifts that life can give to anyone is the very special love that families share… As the years go by, it’s good to know that there will always be certain people in our lives who care. For there are countless things that only families have in common and memories that no one else can make… and these precious ties that bind a family together are bonds that time and distance cannot break.” Craig S. Tunks

I’m reminiscing. All because of a sweatshirt.

See, I pulled it out and slipped it over Lil’ Buddy’s head last week. That day it was chilly and we’d just been wearing shorts the day before. Had it not turned cooler I might have missed it. I looked at him – and saw her. Our first born girl.

She posed for pictures on the back deck. Never staying still for long.

Two years old and hair a wispy blond. These days she’s almost as tall as me.

But this morning, he wears the sweatshirt. He stops only a moment then is off to his backyard big construction site. His hair a thicker blond and eyelashes just as long as hers.

A sweatshirt they have all worn. Each one, all five, wearing it at those last days of being a baby. Just two, maybe three years old but soon to turn four. It’s the days of leg hugs before long turning to waist high hugs. Or ’round the shoulder hugs. All blessings.

“The heart hath its own memory, like the mind, and in it are enshrined the precious keepsakes, into which is wrought the giver’s loving thought.” ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Plus all these abundant gifts…

2331. hand-me-down clothes that trigger sweet memories

2332. a compromise sort of way for us to eat Chick-fil-a

2333. a homeschool group of encouraging friends creating an atmosphere for our children to flourish

2334. time with cousins from south Georgia

2335. allergy meds

2336. a rainy, lazy, easy Saturday catching up on movie watching

2337. spring rainstorms

2338. raindrops on white irises

2339. messy mouths from black raspberry jelly on homemade bread – supper on a Saturday night

2340. early morning quiet time

“Blue skies with white clouds on summer days. A myriad of stars on clear moonlit nights. Tulips and roses and violets and dandelions and daisies. Bluebirds and laughter and sunshine and Easter. See how He loves us! ~ Alice Chapin