yesterday i made myself a glass of 'grandma hughes' coffee. there are no extraordinary ingredients. but just a taste of the drink takes me back immediately to memories of time with her, sitting in the rocking chair, talking about anything and everything, and feeling content with the 'safest' person on earth.
the doobie brothers scored a hit with 'black water' about the time i was dating someone. even now the song on the radio brings memories of riding the car, caring deeply about this person.
posted on facebook were some pictures of two friends who had travelled to england, visiting sites that donna and i had visited years ago. viewing those pictures brought memories of a boat tour on the river thames, visiting buckingham palace, eating dull english food, and visiting several pubs. also, they brought back the beauty of the lake district and the horror of donna almost falling off a cliff.
nanny would travel from dayton to columbus almost every weekend to visit us. the usual routine on saturday was to go shopping, stop for lunch, and pick up doughnuts for sunday breakfast. shopping was a treat for me, seeing all the colors and feeling the different textures of the fabrics. a special highlight was visiting the coat department where i learned to identify the different types of fur coats by sight and by feel. i am sure the salesperson knew who i was and even expected this little kid returning to inspect the coats.
senses not only allow us to experience the present in a number of ways, but they allow for a plethora of memories, both pleasant and painful, to become a part of who we are today. they can remind us and teach us the value of living life to it's fullest.
having limited mobility, of course, has many downsides. i am bound by the ableness of my body. but no matter. wherever i am, i can experience life. this morning as i sit watching the sunrise, feeling the cool air, and hearing the familiar sounds of birds and coffee being made (some of which will be iced coffee before the end of the day!).
the body can limit. but the mind, with the imprint of the past and the information of the present, is limitless. just as a good novel can allow me to experience vicariously another life, so can the senses allow me to experience and re-experience a full and enriched life.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqZ95a249p0
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