Memories

This weekend, we started packing. We won't close on the house until July 24th and it will be at least a week after that (time to paint, clean the carpets, wash out cabinets, etc.) before the movers arrive to officially move us but we've started the process of clearing clutter and sending home special items that are irreplaceable with the in-laws until we are moved and settled.

One of the tasks I chose to tackle is my stash of photos, keepsakes, cards, etc. that I've kept for as long as I can remember. When it comes to cards, letters, and especially photos I'm an awful pack-rat. I went through all of the boxes trying to compact and organize as much as possible. And while I did decide that maybe it was a bit abnormal and unnecessary to save every card I've ever received - it took me forever to weed through and pare down my collection.

Reading through old cards, looking at old pictures, and trying to figure out what is worth keeping is a difficult task - especially when you're hormonal and pregnant! I found myself remembering so many times in my life that I don't think about often and feeling very thankful for so many of the special people in my life who have stood by me through thick and thin over the years.

I found myself with a soft spot for many items that I just couldn't bare to part with -- even though they will never mean anything to anyone but me. I found myself saving special cards from friends and family - including the mailing envelope from the first package that Mike ever sent me - wedding programs, notes attached to carnations from high school, and various other trinkets that I didn't even remember I had. I hope to post a few old photos I found particularly entertaining on Facebook later this week (if I can find time to scan them!) and I found some items that need to be shared with close friends. It's amazing to me that I've been friends with many of my closest friends for at least 15 years. When did we get so old?? :)

One of my favorite finds were these letters from Grandpa that I've included throughout this post (click to enlarge and try to decifer!) that he wrote to me when I was in college. It's important to note that I was very rarely gone for more than three days at a time... but he wrote me silly letters anyway. Needless to say, the letters will be packed away. How can I throw away letters that are signed "G.P.", "G.Pa" or the many cards I found signed "Gran Pa".

Grandpa was always a good sport -- he let me give him facials and paint his fingernails and toenails. He had blue toenails for months. One time I painted his fingernails in clear sparkles. I am sure he received some humorous reactions at the coffee shop the next morning. :)

Going through the boxes and boxes of items I've saved helped me to remember all of the good times I've shared with many important people throughout the years. I'm lucky to have so many wonderful people who have been in my life for so long and who will continue to be an important part of my life in the future. I'd try to list all of you -- but I'm sure I'd leave someone out - but I think most of you know who you are... Thank you. :)