33 Comments
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A.T. Symeonidis's avatar

Ι wish I had similar memories... even when very little I'd take "baths" without any assitance.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Oh, those old memories are buried in there. For me, sad to say, it is mostly the hardships of my childhood I remember, but I get little flashes every once in a while to balance them. . I write them down. It helps. I hadn't remembered the hair washing on the drainboard thing until just now. A very tender moment. I am glad it came to me.

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Mark VanLaeys's avatar

I truly am glad those memories came to you as well. Even if they are vague or needed prodding. So many times, the emotionally charged memories squander all the room in our developing minds.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Thank you, Mark. I believe you are right. Writing them down can relieve the pressure a bit.

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Mark VanLaeys's avatar

... and, if they're good flashes / memories , bring them out into the light of day and savor.

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Kate Henry's avatar

That's the way its supposed to be.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Yes Kate, it is. You and I were lucky.

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Heather Brebaugh's avatar

I love your use of the word 'stranded'. Such an interesting choice. Bereft? Alone? But at least with loving memories.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Thanks, Heather. This time the word "stranded" was given to us by Justin Deming as a writing prompt, so I had the word first then wrote 50-words around it. I love Justin's challenges. I am glad you liked it -- thanks for coming back to Leaves,my friend. I am sure your inbox is as full as mine!

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Justin Deming's avatar

Thank you, my friend. It’s always a pleasure to read your stories and to see where you take the challenges!

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Wade Terry's avatar

Seems blessed rather than stranded.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Yes, you are right. Stranded, but blessed with all the memories we had together. I just want her back, Wade. I miss unconditional love in my life -- both the receiving of it and the giving of it.

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Mark VanLaeys's avatar

Maybe both blessed and stranded. Unable to shed the loving care that helped shape who Sharron has become.

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Dbee's avatar

Heartwrenchingly lovely!!!

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Aww, thanks, sweet girl. You, of all people, know what I am talking about here.

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Sharon Hudson's avatar

Oh, my heart!! So many feelings in so little words. ❣️

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Thank you, Sharon. Happy rainy Saturday to you!

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Linda Brown's avatar

Aww..... so special, what grace!

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

It was a fine prompt : stranded. I might not have chosen that word, but it worked well, I think. Thanks for taking time out to read these little bits. I know how busy you are!

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Switter’s World's avatar

Sharron, I cannot, I cannot ever not find time to read your posts. They are like those high energy survival rations for daily life. I’ll call them Sharron’s Cliff bars.

But today’s little poem caused an extra special memory to pop up. When my daughter was born late in a Zimbabwe April, just as the weather was turning cold, I volunteered to bathe her in the stainless steel kitchen sink. I was very careful to get the temperature just right and then plopped her in, but apparently the sink itself was still cold and when her little bottom landed on it, Oh! how she howled!!!

And that right there is longer than your poem.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Great memory, Switter! Nice try, Dad!

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Switter’s World's avatar

I learned from my missteps and she still dearly loves her old dad, cold bottom notwithstanding.

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Rebecca Holden's avatar

Goosepimpling. Sending love, Sharron. 😘

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Jim Cummings's avatar

That's a memory to hold on to. A mother's love makes up for a lot of the bad stuff.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Sometimes it is the one saving grace. Thanks, Jim.

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Yael Gelardin's avatar

😢

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Yael Gelardin's avatar

Sad 😔

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Mark Starlin's avatar

Sweet, Sharron. What is worth remembering more than love?

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

yes, my friend

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palmisanocj@yahoo.com's avatar

Awwww...another trip (for me) down memory lane... Thank you, Sharron.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Thank you. I am sure you carry a lot of similar memories of your mom as well,CJ

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AnnieKate Nicholson-Phillips's avatar

I remember those little things. Thanks for the tenderness of this poem. I remember my aunt teaching me to shave my legs. Of all the crazy things she and I did together, that's what sticks in my memory 55 years later. She's gone now but smiling to see I remember.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

I'm glad this little story brought back fond memories to you, Annie! It is funny what little moments stick with us. We will miss our old ones forever. Thank you for reading my Leaves

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