Our memories are often the nuggets of buried treasures. For many of us, we are entering another phase of life with our grandchildren. When you are younger, you rarely realize how fast time truly travels. I find myself in the last quarter of my life. Maybe it is the slowing down that causes so many glimpses of our past to bubble to the surface with a sound, smell, or something that we see. I try to soak in when those images play in my head from my childhood or of my children growing up.
In our backyard, a sandbox has existed for over 24 years, but it has been a lonely place for 15 of those years. I usually pick out the weeds that seem to be able to grow anywhere and defy all odds when I can’t keep a houseplant alive to save my life. It seems the backyard bunnies spend a little time in the sandbox because they leave proof of their existence.
Back in the day, it may have been Alex Leen or Noah Bjerke who built huge lakes with Zach in the sandbox by digging and laying down a large trash bag to hold the water. At some point, cute little Meranda Braaten visited. Collin Douglas and McKenzie Simono hung out with Carter, while little Daniel tagged along. In the backyard, at our neighbors', stood a basketball hoop by the street. Drew Suby, Calvin Leen, and other boys shot baskets with colorful smack talk while they enjoyed a personal Hot Stuff pizza. Now, they are all grown up and have moved on.
This past Memorial Day, this little sandbox was awakened, hearing the sounds of a little boy. If it had feelings, I could imagine the loneliness and sorrow lifting. Once again, there were scoops, shovels, and a dump truck. Little Emmett brought all of his little- boy energy, both gentle and bruising.
Now I am Gram, and Gram doesn’t seem as flexible anymore, but I played in that sandbox with Emmett. A secret time capsule was soon to be revealed as we dug deeply, creating dinosaur roads.
We discovered once again all those precious jewels in red & blue. Emmett gathered them in his pail. He yelled out, “Pop pop, more water!” The lake lost its water as quickly as it was poured. We dug and dug some more, discovering old army soldiers, some of whom were injured in the battle with the elements.
Soon the water found a much better place to fill. The cookie tin became a baker’s delight. You just add a few jewels and lots of sand to the mixture while those hands worked so diligently. It was time for Mr. Dinosaur to enjoy a delicious dinner.
What better way to relive those days of your own motherhood and with a little one who looks so much like his daddy did all those years ago. We of a certain age filled these time capsules with toys, trinkets, memories, and most of all, love. We are thrilled to dig out the old toys and to savor these experiences once again. Who says our best days are behind us?
