Up in the attic, amidst the dancing dust
sits a timeworn shoe box containing generations of memories,
moments in life forever captured in fading colors,
bringing back the forgotten memories resting within the heart of a loving home.
Memories awaken and swirl through the air as if carried on wings
some bring laughter, others bring tears.
Follow the memories.
They will guide you home.
Remember…

Remember the promise of a new beginning,
a man and wife embarking together on a journey bringing love to a new house.
Remember the rays of sunshine which brought laughter to the house,
the two boisterous boys and the wild young girl with the frizzy golden curls.
Remember silly secrets whispered in giggles,
the pitter patter of ten little toes racing across the hall,
and children’s cries of glee echoing throughout the house,
their bright eyes sparkling with laughter.
Remember sticky fingers covered with bright red strawberry jam,
cake crumbs licked from plates, and messy faces smeared with chocolate.
Remember grass stained clothing, skinned knees, and tear stained faces
followed by giant bear hugs and sloppy kisses.

Remember elegant melodies of classical music soaring throughout the house,
scales and simple songs plonked out on the piano,
and the constant yipping of dogs next door.
Remember the strong smell of starch, the constant hum of the laundry machine,
and the clothes line stretched across the backyard, sprawled out like a giant spider-web.
Remember the delicious smell of browned onions wafting through the house,
making all stomachs growl,
the piles of fresh-baked buttery pretzels and crusty semels in wicker baskets,
and rows and rows of jars lined on the shelves waiting to be filled.

Remember the scent of oil and gasoline hanging in a thick cloud overhead in the car workshop,
chassis parts strewn across the floor caked with oil and grime,
and the almost tangible excitement of the family at the restoration of another car.
Remember freshly pressed white lab coats,
the buzz of the drill in the dental office in the basement below,
wooden cabinets with drawers containing sets of fake pearly-white teeth,
and the small metal safe filled with shiny gold fillings.

Remember sickness, days spent curled up in bed with peppermint tea.
Remember Christmas and celebrations, singing and laughter,
and crispy duck skin with cherry sauce,
Remember toy train tracks laid out across the entire house,
twisting and turning into every room,
and sitting together as a family listening to the Christmas story by the glow of candlelight.

Remember graduations and the children moving on to find their own future.
Remember the two little boys growing up before of their parents’ eyes to become bright young men
and the little girl blossoming into an strong, intelligent young woman.
One by one each child left the comfort of home and spread their wings to fly.
The elder son departed to explore a foreign land;
the younger one soon followed in his path.
And now the once little girl is off to seek adventure too.
Husband and wife alone,
the house is calm and quiet yet thriving with memories.