It's holidays (not necessarily their anniversaries) that stir up memories - sort of creeping up on us. This morning, I found myself singing "In Your Easter Bonnet" - and suddenly remembered who taught it to me as a child - Mama. It was Mama who was "the Easter Bunny" leaving baskets - and buying chocolates even to my adult years for both our enjoyment -- Mama, who made my clothes, bought the Easter bonnets and those patent leather shoes - Mama who took me to Fifth Avenue for the Easter "Parade" - a fashion walk really - while I protested that I wanted to go TO THE PARADE ! (I'd thought it was a REAL parade.) That song - Mama had taught it to me so many years ago.

And then to Church - that railing they'd removed for her funeral - it was gone again for some unknown reason - but stirring up those heartbreaking days after her passing - and for some reason in Church I recalled telling myself during the funeral (as I followed her casket out of Church) to "be Jackie-O" (held my neck/head erect despite the grief). The words just hit me today.
How strange.

Then, to Dad's grave (closer to home than Mama's). Entering the mausoleum elevator a man came behind me - with age spots on his face - just like my Dad's. I'd forgotten them. His nose, his smile - almost like Dad's. How much had I forgotten about my father? I was quietly taken aback. And as usual, I sat with Dad but cried for Mama.

They touch our lives in ways we (or they) don't realize until much later.