Down memory lane

This weekend I went home for a birthday party and found myself packing up my grandparent’s home.

My grandparents lived in a humble home near the downtown area of Calexico, which unfortunately was damaged during the April 4th earthquake. Growing up, the small yellow house in the middle of the block was full of life. My grandmother enjoyed sitting outside watering her plants and the house always smelled of home cooking. My grandmother passed away 5 ½ years ago, and although my grandpa continued to live there, that little house lost its’ twinkle.

As I walked through the empty house one last time I was saddened by what I saw. The home once filled with life was now a shell of its' former self, the walls once painted with laughter and stories were now cracked and bare. The house will soon be demolished, and with it its’ secrets will fade.

Since my family emptied most of the house last week I wonder what sort of things I missed, what secrets could I have uncovered? What I did realize this weekend and greatly appreciated was that my grandma saved everything! I found awards, school work, and miscellaneous gifts I had bought her over the years packed away safely in boxes; these items, which were once of little importance, suddenly meant the world to me.

I took with me some embroidered pillow cases and a blanket which I will keep and hopefully one day be able to give to my grandchildren. Most importantly I left with memories of simpler times, some of the happiest I've ever had.