When I walk through these times of strife

I can smile

Even though sometimes life is hard

I can sit with my memories for just a little while

I’ve seen in them love and laughter

Heartbreak and tears

And many many precious days

Always remembering a special birthday

And my beautiful card

Or joking with my daughter and daughter-in-law

About a needed scented candle holder

My kids have made me laugh so much

I can carry such joy in my heart

Remembering my son’s first fish

And how proud he was

A smile of delight will light up my face

As I recall when he told us a ‘time joke’

That about got his Dad a ticket

As I recall my oldest daughter’s window escape

She had quite an adventure but she got caught

Or my youngest daughter’s visit to the cemetery

When she thought someone grabbed her foot

Grandkids have brought me such fun times too

Especially if they can scare me

Oh how they would laugh

Now waltzing across my mind

Are the times of being loved

Of long age embraces and two-stepping

Across an old dance floor

Friends and family have made my life worthwhile

So memories of them do warm my soul

Having coffee and playing cards

And watching our children grow

Yes grief has touched my my memories

With a widow’s tears But oh the love

That still remains and such hope

That’s still yet to come

So today I will reflect upon these memories

Which are only just a few

For many many more are stored

Within my heart’s treasure box

Wrapped up in the warm blanket

Of ‘forever loved’.