Shan's Take on Making Memories

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Making Memories

 

Fry Fish, Oxtail, Curry Goat, Jerk Pork, Rice and Peas, Lasagna, Mannish water soup; these were only a few of the dishes we had at family get togethers. Aunty Paulette and Mommy Rose would be busy in the kitchen preparing, while we talked, laughed and spent time together as a family.

We took advantage of every opportunity to be together in this way. Yes, it is a lot of work but the joy that comes with spending time with family and creating these memories is priceless. Uncle Mike always has some jokes and someone was always announcing a pregnancy, engagement, marriage or some other significant life event.

Everything came to a full stop with COVID.  Social gatherings have become a foreign concept and we have moved our lives to zoom. You never really know what you have until it's gone. I miss squeezing family members without the fear of getting COVID, or just hanging out by Aunty after dinner until 1am in the morning.

At our last Christmas Dinner in 2019, Aunty Paulette told us we needed to wear red. She was adamant about us taking pictures as she knew the importance of making memories. After several attempts, we finally got the perfect picture. A few months after that event we lost three family members who were there with us for that last Christmas together. I must say mourning and death are hard but experiencing this during a pandemic has been horrible. Three deaths in less than a year, how do we begin to mourn and heal? Looking back, I would give anything to sit, break bread and talk with my cousins again. I want to love on them and spend time with them. These family dinners were not just dinners, we were making memories.

I turned 35 this weekend. I had all these plans for my 35th birthday but COVID had its own plans as well. My soul has been so sad as this season has been a difficult one for our family.  In the midst of everything however, there is so much to be thankful for. I am surrounded by so many people who love me and have made the celebration of another year in my life special in every way. From the deliveries, to the phone calls and messages, even a surprise Zoom birthday party that caught me totally off guard. I have been so humbled by the outpouring of love I received from family and friends.

My fiancé selflessly gave of himself to me this weekend and our children have also made the weekend special. It may not have been the birthday I was expecting, but it was certainly a birthday to remember and I am thankful to be alive to make these memories with my family.

This season has taught me about the importance of reflecting, spending time in God’s presence, while making memories with family and friends. Tomorrow is not promised and death is final. Take some time to make memories with your loved ones today.


~Shan~


Comments

  1. Glenda Miller25 April 2021 at 13:33

    Cherish the precious memories my dear Shan. Some people would die just to have quarter of your memories.

    ReplyDelete

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