Smoke Signals and other news
Memories. Where do they go? They are stored away in our hearts and mind. Some come back quickly. Some are buried deeper and take something to bring those memories back to us. How far back can you remember? My mind can wander back more than 65 years or maybe a bit longer. There are flashes of events. Other things are there only because someone who was there at the time has told me about it and have made it seem as though I can remember it. What happens when all those who shared those memories with you pass away? Then those memories are only yours and when you pass away those memories are gone forever. I once started a “this I remember” story on my computer for my kids but the computer crashed and took the story with it. I really need to start that over.
What do I remember from those early days of my life on this earth? My dad only physically punished me twice-once I really don’t remember, but he told me I refused to do something he told me to when I was about three. The switch came out and was used, but he said I never did follow through on his instruction-a slight streak of stubbornness there just maybe. The other time involved my friend Dianne and I deciding I should get off the bus at her house because my brother had the flu and I did not want to catch it. No cell phones; in fact, probably no phones at all. I don’t remember how they found me, but I do remember the switch being cut from the tree and the lashes I was given.
I have at least one memory from each grade in school — most of which were an embarrassing moment or one that was important enough to remain engraved in my memory. I have a dear friend who is in the midst of dementia, but as with many of these patients her long-term memory is strong. She tells me things we did that I certainly have no memory of, but seem to be in line with our younger years. I could fill pages with those memories. As several classes gather for our upcoming reunion, I’m sure other memories will be shared.
There are first dates, breakups, makeups, ball games, banquets (we did not have proms) and the FHA members planned, organized, set up, cooked, and cleaned up, Mid-South Fair, 4-H camps, bus trips, playground activities, new friendships, friends moving away, being allowed to “work in the principal’s office”, driver’s ed trips, filling in for teachers when they were absent, first experiences with funerals, church, youth groups both in school and churches, first jobs, illnesses (I had more than my share with childhood diseases), rare doctor visits, injuries-some of which were caused when I did not obey my parents or grandparents. Take the time to remember yourself and with your loved ones.
I would love to report your news, activities, etc. Please share your news with me either at jchwagg@gmail.com or text or call 901 246-8843. You can message me on Facebook as Clair Wagg.