One can't predict when or where they will come from; those memories that stay with us a lifetime, and never fail to bring us warm fuzzy feelings.
My husband had just finished loading his car; made one lap back through the house and then into the kitchen. "I guess filling my thermos is all I have left to do, and then I'm off." Down the drain went the hot water that had been warming his thermos. With a very nostalgic look on his face he softly said, "When I filled this with water earlier, I thought of your mom. In fact, anytime I fill my thermos I think of her."
"Oh honey, that's so sweet. I know she's watching and listening right now with a big smile on her face," I responded as tears began to brim my eyelids.
"You know, I never fill my thermos that I don't think of her, and I always smile too." The tone in his voice was so tender as he spoke of my mother who is no longer with us.
Years ago we had been visiting my parents, and the morning we were leaving mother watched as Jerry began to fill his thermos. Being the "coffee drinker" in the family, he's always placed himself in charge of thermos duties. Mom then casually offered up a tidbit of advice. "Jerry, if you would fill your thermos with hot water and let it sit a while, your coffee would stay hot longer on your drive." The look on his face was priceless as her simple suggestion sunk in. Well of course it would! It only makes all the sense in the world! Who wouldn't know that? He dumped the small amount of coffee already in the thermos, and ran the tap until it was at its hottest; then refilled with piping hot water. After pouring himself a fresh cup of coffee, he sat down to enjoy a few more minutes with mom, and to discuss this unique new idea.
Words of wisdom from a loving mother-in-law made an impact that will never be forgotten. When spoken that morning, Jerry didn't realize he would always hear those words ringing in his ears, or that they would bring a smile to his face time and time again. And Mother would never have dreamed her words would be a treasured, and everlasting memory in the heart of her son-in-law.
The "fondest, lasting memories" don't necessarily come from "major moments" in life...the making of a memory simply happens...
Kathleene S. Baker
©2005
Kathleene lives in
