Memories rise up within me like lively bubbles
Of champagne bursting forth from a just opened bottle.
Daddy’s rich baritone singing “This Little Girl of Mine”
Fingers thrumming along the familiar chords and frets.

Going to the drive in movie for triple feature night
All ready bathed and dressed in pajamas for bed.
Waking to the growl of the engine as we start home.
Sleepily watching the moon follow me
As if it were a giant balloon tethered to my hand.

Staticy lyrics of a sad song on the radio bring stinging tears.
Drifting to sleep to the low banter of mom and dad.
Only to wake up in my own bed, knowing that
Daddy had carried me upstairs in his strong arms..

Playing games outside until dark, catching lightening bugs in a jar
Only to release them when Mama called us in.
Wonderful aromas of supper cooking on the stove
Realizing how hungry we were as we hurriedly wash our faces and hands.
Thriving in this time spent together as a family around the dinner table.

Special weekend’s spent with grandma and cousins
Following her into church like a clutch of baby chicks, invariably we were late.
Songs lined by an elder as Accapella voices rose in the sweetest of harmony
Singing aloud the words of the old hymns “Amazing Grace” and “Rock of Ages.”

Words, music and images still hold an overwhelming power over me.
Still moves me to tears, make me want to sing makes me want to smile.
Memories are such cherished things, intangible and beyond price.
But only to the one who remembers and holds them dear.