Memories at Grandma Marley's House. By: Debbie

I couldn't help but think a lot of Grandma Marley over the Memorial Day holiday. I thought I would post it so that others could enjoy memories that stand out to me.

The sun is setting behind the mountains, you can see the leaves on the trees bright oranges and reds. As I am sitting in the back seat of the suburban with all the family around, resting my chin on the window and feeling it bounce up and down as the bumpy road leads to a small white house. The smell of apples, and burning fire wood. We pull up to Grandma's house at last. Before even thinking of unloading all of us kids are stretching and heading to grandma's front door. The creaking of the entry door way and the sound of old wood underneath your feet as you step in to Grandma's kitchen; she is there in the door way with a big hug and kiss waiting for you. She calls you by name and tells you how happy she is to see you. She asks me if I am thirsty for a glass of milk, as she pulls on the big metal latch to her old white fridge. On the top shelf she pulls out a glass container and a small cup from her cu bard covered with fabric and pours me a glass of cold milk.

I sit at her little table while dad and the boys are unclasping the travel case from on top of the truck. As I look out the window I see such simple things. Things that now seem so old school but what joy they would bring us. Before I know it mom is saying its time for bed. As I am on my way to the bedroom to change I sneak a peek of the room full of dolls, Grandma leans over and whispers "Tomorrow we can get one out to play with". With a smile on my face and hugs from my Grandma I am ready to bed.

Because the house was so small we had to find any space we could to pile six kids in to sleep. I lay there in the kitchen on a small day bed. By the cool of the window as the condensation builds up, I lay there for what seems forever just watching the trees blow back and forth. In my mind I begin to make believe different stories, I remember that whenever I would have a scary dream or anything that made me feel sad I would cuddle up closely to Rachel or Rebekah whoever I was sharing the bed with. Morning comes as the sun shines through the window down on our faces, when we roll over there is Grandma making breakfast.

Her sweet smile is unforgettable, as her glasses rest on her nose. She is stirring a bowl of pancake batter, as I stare at her hands I become intrigued. They are hands that have seen hard work, that have made many meals with love, have comforted those in need. Grandma says go sit by the heater as the house still has a chill from the night. Sitting with a crochet blanket wrapped around me I sit there by the heater sticking my toes through the holes. Mom walks past and says "Don't sit too close to it, you will be burned". Once breakfast is done and we are all dressed and cleaned up, my older sisters grab something to hold rocks in and we all head out on Grandma's front driveway. Collecting rocks, big and small. Odd shapes and sizes were the ones that I liked most. We would paint them to look like other things.

What amazing times we had visiting Grandma Marley's house. That is just one of the many thoughts I had found myself remembering this Memorial Day holiday. I miss her so much and don't go a day without thinking of her. I know that she is watching over each of us and knows our children and is taking care of the little one's on the way.