Saturday, February 22, 2014

Wish I Were There

Thinking of my grandmother Eunice, my mom, my aunts, my cousins... all my family, and wishing we were with them in Pasadena.  It was to be all hands on deck to help with the big moving sale, but since aunt Becky and Grandma came down with bad colds, Mom advised us to stay clear.  I appreciate avoiding anything that might complicate keeping the kids on course in school, but we are sorry to miss out on the early road trip north, the hugs, pitching in, sharing laughs.  I'm glad they have Gretchen and Hans to lend capable hands... those two are making remarkable contributions to the big plans aunt Becky has.  Their generous work makes me feel relieved for my grandmother and aunt, and grateful, too. 

It's not only missing today, but reminiscing on a lifetime of Alhambra and Pasadena visits.  Whittier, Los Angeles, Olvera Street, too.  Hot summers, the smell of gardenias, the cooing of doves, riding our bicycles around town, buying fireworks, the icy cold pool on Workman Mill Road, out-running Chiquitin and Major!  Enjoying rainbow raspados, sitting around the fountain in front of Big Al's shop.  New shoes, and Sunday school, rides around the old places, El Salvador.  Even street names recall stories, and make me long to be around the kitchen table with the family and hearing, again, the stories, reconnecting to people I love, through the places they've lived... Silverlake, Eastman Avenue, El Molino, Primrose.  

I wish I were there, moving boxes, making sales, holding Grandma's hand, hearing about new plans, new street names, and enjoying one more Los Angeles day with my family. 

4 comments:

cabinfeverkid said...

Sounds poignant and cosy, at the same time. Family memories are like treasures for our minds. Hope the sale is a success, and the colds are gone soon.

judy in ky said...

I like how you describe your memories. It reminds me of many of my own. Every place I have ever lived has left images and sounds in my mind, and I cherish them all.

Natalie, the Chickenblogger said...

Thank you!
Sounds like they did very well.

Natalie, the Chickenblogger said...

Thank you, Judy. Maybe it's aging… but some of those memories make me so nostalgic and honestly, a bit sorrowful. I would love to re-visit some moments.