Thank you, Bethel, for reading my little memoir and for your kind comment. I am guessing that you, yourself, have a lot of these sorts of memories, too?
incorporating scent into memoir writing is an excellent tool for getting in touch with the past, and the deepest part of yourself. Excellent writing, Sharron.
Thanks, Sharon. I think you are right. The sense of smell may be the strongest in setting a memory and in its retrieval. Sometimes I can just walk by a certain bush and the smell takes me to an exact place and time far in the past.
Absolutely true , J. I can smell an herb, mown grass, mildew, suntan oil, taffy, and each one can bring to mind where I was, with whom, doing what as clear as yesterday. I am sure you experience that too.
And every time you look at it, it calls to mind a day, an hour, a word. Sixty years -- was it long enough? I don't think so. I know that the last two years with your husband, were not really with HIM. He had become someone else. I have two friends now whose husbands are strangers to them, due to the men's deepening dementia. Such a tragic way to end a happy relationship, and all too common.
And that's what I was going to say - really the last four years of his life - he was not "my Dan", the boy I fell in love with and the man I shared my life with. So, I try to separate the two parts of our life - and dwell on the earlier version. It has taken awhile to sort that out, because like your friends - living with him and dementia was an unhappy ending.
I forwarded this wonderful piece to some of my closest friends who know what happened to me in 2019 (was pushed out of our home by ex wife and two daughters). And all of these recipients never miss the opportunity to urge me to "write them all off" ... cause they ain't worth even single red farthing. But I can't. Irrespective of what they did they are still MY family (that went of the rails). I'm weak and still love them. Am I wrong?
Right or wrong, I can't say. If it serves you in a positive way, then, why would you not want to keep the memories firm? However, if the memories bring nothing but pain, then maybe you'll want to think again? You have, after all, only one life. I don't know the answer.
A wise observation, Sharon! Believe it or not I can't find the courage to blame them, I love them dearly... and I wish they could realize that.... but... (teardrops)///
It is astonishing how fragrance, smells, odors all transport us to other places. This is so beautifully written and clearly so richly remembered. Lovely.
Thank you, Bethel, for reading my little memoir and for your kind comment. I am guessing that you, yourself, have a lot of these sorts of memories, too?
Love the revised title and additional paragraph, Sharron! Beautiful work. And thank you as always for sharing Fifties by the Fire. 🙏
Thanks, Justin. Thanks for hosting the 50's. We all love it.
There are 5,000 words there. So very well done.
Oh! Thanks Jim. I am thrilled that you even read my stuff, let alone send all the kind words. You made my day!
"the hidden place where the body meets the mind." - Love that, Sharron! Some memories are etched deep within.
They are indeed, my friend. The good ones and the... um... less good... sigh
Nice!
Thanks for reading, neighbor!
Interesting, wistful, and thoughtful. You have such a great way of engendering memories and perspective.
You are such a sweet guy. I appreciate so much your sticking with Leaves! Thanks, Wade.
incorporating scent into memoir writing is an excellent tool for getting in touch with the past, and the deepest part of yourself. Excellent writing, Sharron.
Thanks, Sharon. I think you are right. The sense of smell may be the strongest in setting a memory and in its retrieval. Sometimes I can just walk by a certain bush and the smell takes me to an exact place and time far in the past.
Ah to be young and beautiful again. Old, lumpy, and creaky is not as exciting. 🤣
Remain optimistic, my friend. As they say, " There may be snow on the chimney, but that doesn't mean the fire is out in the basement."
🤣 So true.
I don''t have a basement.:)
You can't fool me, KC. You'll have a basement until you expire. I am sure of it.
So lovely how the scents, our strongest link to memory, I understand, bridge the past memories to the now.
Absolutely true , J. I can smell an herb, mown grass, mildew, suntan oil, taffy, and each one can bring to mind where I was, with whom, doing what as clear as yesterday. I am sure you experience that too.
I have that picture on the wall - every road led to him. The good news - I got to share my life with him for over 60 years as his wife.
And every time you look at it, it calls to mind a day, an hour, a word. Sixty years -- was it long enough? I don't think so. I know that the last two years with your husband, were not really with HIM. He had become someone else. I have two friends now whose husbands are strangers to them, due to the men's deepening dementia. Such a tragic way to end a happy relationship, and all too common.
And that's what I was going to say - really the last four years of his life - he was not "my Dan", the boy I fell in love with and the man I shared my life with. So, I try to separate the two parts of our life - and dwell on the earlier version. It has taken awhile to sort that out, because like your friends - living with him and dementia was an unhappy ending.
I forwarded this wonderful piece to some of my closest friends who know what happened to me in 2019 (was pushed out of our home by ex wife and two daughters). And all of these recipients never miss the opportunity to urge me to "write them all off" ... cause they ain't worth even single red farthing. But I can't. Irrespective of what they did they are still MY family (that went of the rails). I'm weak and still love them. Am I wrong?
Right or wrong, I can't say. If it serves you in a positive way, then, why would you not want to keep the memories firm? However, if the memories bring nothing but pain, then maybe you'll want to think again? You have, after all, only one life. I don't know the answer.
A wise observation, Sharon! Believe it or not I can't find the courage to blame them, I love them dearly... and I wish they could realize that.... but... (teardrops)///
WOW!
Great images and rhythm.
Thanks, John.
OOOO LA!! He will be found again.
You think?
It is astonishing how fragrance, smells, odors all transport us to other places. This is so beautifully written and clearly so richly remembered. Lovely.
Glad you liked it, Barrie. It is actually a memoir. He was a very singular, beautiful person.
Memories vividly repainted. Lovely memoir writing, Sharron
Loved this! Suits me so well. Thanks 🙏
Thanks so much Yael. I’m happy you liked it.