Perhaps it’s sitting upon the couch cushion or nestled above one of the picture frames.
Maybe you’ll find it stuffed in the back of the cabinet between the pasta and the corn puffs…or maybe it’s buried beneath the crackers and granola bars.
You may come across it stuck to the center of the hall mirror or glued behind the bed frame.
You‘ll see it tucked away in the liquor cabinet as well as beneath the stacked row of dishes.
Maybe it’s within the fabric of the curtains or on the edge of the wind chimes or even hanging from the top of the fishing pole.
Actually, it’s found on every square inch in that place from the rug to the ceiling.
It’s on the kitchen countertop, in every pot and pan, every coffee cup and lounge chair. It’s on the bedspread, the closet door and the beach towels. It’s in the shower, on the phone and along the television screen. It’s found on the radio, the glass windows and outside on the flowers within the garden. It’s on the roof, in the air conditioner and the table on the porch. It’s on the top of the surfboard and within my flip-flops in the closet. It’s rested above my pillow and snuggled in the air I breathe.
Every single ounce of that home has a memory.
This has been our summer house in our family’s name for over 61 years – this house has watched me dance in the waves as a little girl right up to the time I was engaged and walked down the aisle – it even saw me bring two children into this world.
Memories…millions upon millions of memories …filled with salty air and sand beneath my toes…the kind of memories I had as a child are now being passed down to my own children.
Hurricane Irene may have swept away the majority of the “things” within that home, also leaving us with the need to rebuild every wall, roof and structure – but what that storm could NEVER take away from me is the 35 years of memories I have from spending every summer there.
You can knock down walls, change the color of the tile and replace the furniture, but the spirit of that bungalow remains strong and intact.
Irene may have tried to wash it all away, but she failed to realize that even the strongest of storms couldn’t change what remains in my heart.
And what will be there – forever.
Beautiful post, Heather. I’m sorry for the destruction of your summer home, but am inspired by your determination to rebuild and refill it with memories, old and new.
Oh Heather,I’m so sorry about your home. But you’re so right… no one (not even a hurricane) can take away the memories you have.
Oh sweet Heather, I love when you open up your heart. It’s beautiful in there! I’m so very sorry about your family’s summer home. And yes, 100% YES- the memories and the rebuilding and the family and the love will always be there. XO
Beautiful! And so true. Thank you for sharing.
Heather, I am so so sorry that you had lost such a great piece of your life history. The memories would always be there, tucked deep in your heart forever. Sending you big hugs!
This is beautifully written. I’m sorry about your summer home, but nothing in the world can take away memories.
I’m so sorry for your families loss of “things” and the need to rebuild… that part is never easy. But great post, and so true!! I love what our house… our home, holds. Memories will always stand strong 😉
This is such a beautiful post. I’m so glad that you have such wonderful memories to carry you through the difficult process of rebuilding.
Sorry to hear about your summer home getting destroyed in Hurricane Irene. Thank God for lasting memories though. Wish you all the best of luck with the rebuild.
Sorry to hear about the loss of the home and “things.” It’s heartwarming at the same time to hear how all the wonderful, lifelong memories remain intact.
I’m sorry about the destruction of your childhood summer home. But thank goodness for the memories.
What a beautiful tribute to a special place and its special memories that even Irene in all her fury couldn’t take from you. xo
Thank you for sharing your dark time with us. Here is to the next 61 years of memories created for your family. May they be wonderful in the making and out last every storm.
Heather,
I am so sorry for your loss…you know I can relate because of my family’s experiences through Katrina. BUt you are spot on about the memories. I’m glad you have so many thing to hold on to!
xoxo
I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your summer home but, you’re right. You have all those wonderful memories. More importantly, you have your family around you to help build new memories.
Oh sweet friend I had no idea that your summer home was affected..but I am so glad that Irene didn’t take away your wonderful memories and couldn’t stop your love of that place. Good luck with the rebuild!
Such a touching post, Heather, and very real (as ever) and true. Childhood homes and places stay forever in our hearts, even if the decor (and even the owners, as in the case of the home which will always be my childhood ‘home’ in my heart and soul) may change. The details and reflections you share are so moving and it’s life, real life, in these details. So sorry you were affected and thank you so much for sharing this in such a thought-provoking post. God bless and thank you! Jenxx
Oh I am so sorry that your family home was ruined but glad that you have found a way to preserve your memories, the most important part.
I am so very sorry for the loss of your summer home. I’m glad you are keeping the wonderful memories you made there close to your heart. And while you may have to build new walls, new memories will follow as well. Not overshadowing the old ones by any means…but adding to them, making them stronger.
I am so sorry this happened to you. What a great, positive attitude you’re having, though I’m sure you are so saddened by what happened.
I’m so sorry to hear of the destruction to your summer haven. I appreciate your positive attitude and know you will find strength in the warm memories you hold in your heart.
That’s the brave and fighting spirit.
Well said.
Oh Heather, I am so sorry to hear this. It’s a beautiful post, and your memories will always be with you. But it can be hard to rebuild. It’s ok to be sad and feel a little bit lost too…it’s a big part of your life that’s suddenly changing. Thinking of you. xo
What a hard loss- but glad that you all were safe and can rebuild.
Sorry you were affected Heather but what a positive way to think about things. Good luck.
what a wonderful post! sometimes we all forget how much memories are worth.
wm