November Birthdays

During the month of November we used to celebrate my grandma and grandpa's birthdays.  Now when their birthdays come around, we remember them.  We remember them with tears and we remember them with love.

I saw some yellow flowers and remembered how my grandpa used to pick flowers in the pasture where he was farming and bring them back to my grandma.  He liked yellow.  I imagine my grandma responding like grandpa was silly, but inside appreciating his thoughtfulness.

I see a pansy and think of my grandma.  Pansies decide to grow where ever they want.  They don't care if they are supposed to be there or not.  My grandma liked pansies because they looked like smiling faces.  She did her thing.  She grew where she wanted.  She grew in the rocks.  Nothing could keep her down.

I miss my grandparents.  I miss being able to talk to them.  I miss their support and understanding.  They cheered me on no matter what.  I was always amazing in their eyes.  I can't call them anymore or write them nice letters, but I can remember them.

I remember their faces.  I remember them in the kitchen.  Grandpa would sit at the table listening to the news and watching the neighbors go by, informing us who was speeding or wondering where they were going.  Grandma would be fussing about the food and would refuse to sit down for a moment. She would always have coffee and hidden desserts.

If remember baking cookies during the holidays.  I remember playing games that my grandma couldn't remember the rules for.  I remember painting the fence, pulling weeds, finding vegetables in the garden, putting puzzles together and exploring.  I remember special drinks and special moments.  A quick visit lasted over an hour.

I don't get to have them back.  That makes me sad.

I have years of memories and moments that I will never loose.  That makes me thankful.