Over The River…

A long time ago in a far away place, namely kindergarten I learned the only song I associate with Thanksgiving and these are the only lines I recall of it:

“Over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house we go.
The horse knows the way to carry the sleigh through the bright and drifting snow, oh!”

I have a fond memory of learning that song. I can see a snow cover play area outside the windows of the classroom and a piano in the room with us. It is a warm cozy feeling in my memory being in that classroom.

I also think of my father’s mother when my mind drifts back to that song. We lived next door to her at that time of my life. She lived on the family farm. There were horses on the farm before I was born and I heard stories as grandma and my dad loved to tell them. Perhaps that is why I think of grandma as well when I remember that song.

I also associate oatmeal and dipping buttered toast in it with my grandmother. It warms my heart consuming it yet to this day because I think of her and remember eating it in the farm house kitchen.

Memories are powerful. They can take us to all kinds of places and all sorts of emotional states can be evoked in an instant.

We can pull forward memories to comfort us in times of distress.

I am grateful for those simpler times in my life now etched in my memory and for those people who helped create those special moments for me.

Mrs. Colby was my kindergarten teacher. She made a difference to me. I wrote to her from the time I was in junior high until she died. She wrote me back too.

This is the time of year when we step back and think of those people who’ve been there for us and with us during our lifetime. We remain connected to them through our memories and gratefulness for all they’ve provided to us, even if they are no longer living.

Oh those wonderful memories fill me up and do mean more to me with each passing year. Over the river we go!

Who are some people and memories of them from your early childhood that made and still make a difference to you?