One Precious Moment

When I arrived at my Grandmother's birthday party last Saturday, my Dad immediately told me he had something for me. He and my stepmother had come up earlier in the week for my Great Uncle Al's funeral. He was 92.

Dad pulled out a grocery bag and said, "Nancy sent this up for you and said you had to have it. I don't know why. I hope you do." Nancy is Uncle Al's daughter. And before my Dad got the words out of his mouth, I said, "Is it a little black and white dog?" I think he was stunned that I knew what was inside that bag. For him, it had no meaning. In fact, I'm pretty sure everyone in the room was wondering what the heck it was and asking "WHY?" But for me it was a reminder of a sweet time long long ago. I was flooded with emotion and memories!

When I was a little girl, and still living in Ohio, we used to go visit Great Aunt Rachel and Uncle Al. He worked in a Napa Auto Store. One time, when I was probably 3 years old, we visited him at his store. He had this little dog for me to play with during the visit. I am pretty sure he let me take it to their house later that day. I also remember playing with it a few more times at their house. I don't know why, but I thought it was so neat.

Uncle Al remembered. And so did Nancy. In fact, I remember several times when I saw Uncle Al as an adult that he would ask, "Do you remember coming to our house and playing with that little dog from the auto parts store?" And I would assured him that I did. When her Dad died on Sept. 7th, Nancy found the dog and made sure that it was sent to me.

In the picture to the right, Aunt Rachel and Uncle Al are seated with my Grandparents behind them. Aunt Rachel and my Grandpa were siblings. My Grandma is the only one left here on Earth.

These four people enjoyed spending time together and with their extended families. They have passed on their deep love for family to those of us who are blessed to be part of it. They taught us that treasures are often not expensive meaningless things. They taught us that treasures are in the memories that we make with one another. They taught us love. And laughter. And savoring time with one another. They taught us that simple things can make a difference in someone's life. From them, we saw how to create and make long-lasting memories from the simple things.

And in one little grocery bag last Saturday afternoon, I could once again feel that familial love that makes up so many precious memories in my mind today. When I gaze at that little dog on my shelf, I know it will be a constant reminder of the love that binds our family together. And I hope it, along with so many other treasures from my Grandparents and Aunts and Uncles, will serve as a tangible reminder that it is our job to pass along those life lessons to our Children and someday, our Grandchildren.

I don't know why Uncle Al and I shared this precious little toy together. I know it touched me deeply to receive it. And I promise to love it and care for it! :-)

Thank you, Uncle Al! And, thank you, Nancy for such a sweet gift! I will treasure it always!