By Irene Parsons

Who would have guessed that wearing old clothes, churning butter, gathering eggs, straining fresh milk, and hoeing in the garden would someday be a treasure!? That shelling peas, snapping beans and shucking corn would stir up wonderful memories of Mother and Daddy!? That the smell of fresh hay, and the not so good smell of a barn would immediately bring tears to the eyes because your folks have gone on to be with the Lord? Or that seeing a farmer plow a dusty field would make one appreciate what has been done for you, in the past? 

Who would have guessed that those faded overall-clad men who called you "girl," no matter how old you are.... would make your heart warm for folksy, friendly people! 

Who would have guessed that hand waving to cars passing by would be considered weird!? Back then, one would have thought that maybe you were mad at them or something, if you didn't wave! 

Who would have guessed that to cash a check you'd need your driver's license? And at least two credit cards! Back then, everyone was on a first name basis, and asked about your family. 

Who would have guessed that one day you'd laugh about boys in school calling you "pimple-face"!? 

Who would have guessed that the grandfather clock that ticked to loud, and gonged every hour, and half hour would have you lying awake missing it after leaving home?!

Who would have guessed that those hated ugly, sturdy shoes would some day become your favorite comfy choice?! 

Who would have guessed that the un-liked, hard nosed teacher would be appreciated and admired years later?! Would you believe he even became a faithful Church member?!! (Wow!) 

Who would have guessed that those who made fun of the way you dressed for school, would some day, (when remembering them)... you would wonder where they are and what they are doing, and pray for them? 

Who would have guessed that the skinny little girl on the school bus, and a cousin would become your life-long best friends. (Even after 40 years!!??) 

Who would have guessed that quick, spur of the moment snap-shots would become treasured, yellowed photos?!! 

Who would have guessed that washed sheets, hung outdoors would make you homesick when smelling the fresh fragrance of changed bedding at night?!! 

Who would have guessed that slapping mosquito's, and looking up at a star-studded sky could make you cry, when remembering saying goodbye?! 

Who would have guessed that the old rusty, rattle-trap truck would make you smile with happy remembrance of days gone by?! 

Who would have guessed that loud jar-flies, and buzzing June bugs would evoke happy memories summers, long ago?! 

"Who would have guessed" could go on and on... the list is endless. Memories can make one laugh, cry, rejoice or grumble. Be happy or sad. Light and merry, or heavy and angry. Which ones make the Lord smile? These are the ones to cherish, and bring out of the storehouse of our hearts to savor. A delight to take pleasure in. Thank God for good memories! 

Irene Parsons, Grants Pass, Oregon copyright 2001
grandmaredwine2@aol.com