I have been searching for a while for something that was not only part of my life with my grandparents, but also a part of my parental household growing up. It is something that I have never forgotten and it still brings a sense of belonging and joy to me.
Picture this memory in your mind’s eye…you walk into your grandparents home and there it is sitting in its special place…that something special that you were allowed to have when you came to visit. What was it? I bet it comes to you right away. I hope it does. Let me share a little about mine with you.
In my grandparent’s home, there was one special dish in their home; a candy dish. That special round dish with some goodies in it. The downside of these candy dishes were the alarm set off by lifting the lid of the dish. It was a very heavy lid and usually hard to sneak into without giving yourself away. What was it? It was what we today call a vintage candy dish; pressed glass. So I have been on the hunt to find a candy dish like my grandparents and parents; one that is still in good shape. I know you probably know the one. Here is my little memory of the candy dish…
The candy dish had lemon drops in it. We so loved being able, with permission, to have a lemon drop out of grandma’s candy dish. And then at Christmas time, we would get to have Christmas candy…you know the ones…variety of candy and ribbon candy which was my favorite. Such a treat. So imagine my excitement when I found one just like the one my grandparents had! It now sits on my coffee table at home and I love looking at it and how the light reflects off of it. It brings a smile and joy to see it everyday and I remember those days now like a special treat.
I am a grandma myself now for the last 19 years and I made a lot of those kind of memories for my grandson. But something this dish reminded me about was the importance of the legacy of some traditions. If at my age I can still remember the feeling of getting into that candy dish for a lemon drop or Christmas candy, I think it is an important legacy that was carried on for us kids. Maybe your memory isn’t of candy in a candy dish, but something totally different. I have many other memories of snacks she would give me when I went there after school. But this dish rings true for me. I also have dishes and glassware that my grandma used and that is something I love to use every day also. Many of these things were passed down to my mom and then to me. It’s part of the story of our lives and I think it is good to share our stories. It is a part of us. If your parents or grandparents are still with you, ask them questions about their lives. Don’t be sorry for never asking about them as I have experienced with my grandparents. Even though they didn’t want to share, I wish I had continued to try a little at a time. I am now on the hunt for some lemon drops to put in it. They are not as easy to find anymore. But I will. I think it will look good in my new kitchen at some point. But for now, it will continue to grace my coffee table. My mom used the same candy dish for us with goodies when we could afford them, and for sure, Christmas candy was one of them.
To the left is a picture of a tradition that I have started with the adult kids…going to Not Doug’s Country Kitchen and Espresso for their great food each time they come over. It is a great time and a nice drive. Worth the effort for the trip to have wonderful food and milkshakes!
What are some important memories that may have popped into your mind as you read this? I believe that God gave us each an amazing brain that could recall these memories, and even in some cases the smells, that bring us comfort today. These are hard times for all of us and having those traditions to share can have lasting effects on future family memories, and friendships as well. I thank God each and every day that I can remember those times, their faces, and their love for us. It God’s purpose to comfort us in those hard times with grateful memories that can bring us to a place of joy and gratitude. I can’t begin to tell you how many times coffee from one of their cups, or ice tea from her special glass that I still have, makes me smile and brings comfort and joy to my heart. My house is full of those kind of mementos.
I would love to hear what memories came to mind as you read this. Let me hear from you in the comments here on the blog. You can leave your comment by scrolling down to the comment section. I hope it inspires you to know you can and will make a difference someday to those you love when you are no longer with them. They will need those fun times and loving traditions to remember.
Until next time… ~JoAnn
p.s. If you didn’t have these kinds of memories, that doesn’t mean you can begin to make them now with your family or friends.
Journeys of My Heart 