Sheils Writes

I came across this photo in a box of old family pics and I’ve been carrying it around with me (after I had my sister grill my 89 year old Mom on when was this taken as it wasn’t scribbled on the bottom or back like usual). The consensus is 1968. Enter calculator. 55 years ago. I was just 3 years old.

I may not remember this particular moment, but I am comforted from this photo. A simpler time. Somehow life didn’t seem to go at super speed back then. Or what did I know, I was just a toddler. Our tree was pretty & I can see some fun presents beneath it. I can hear the sounds of Nat King Cole’s Christmas Album in the background & voices of family members who have now passed laughing and talking throughout the house. I’m smiling. Then & now. Although it’s a little harder now because I’m also melancholy for those who have passed and for the simpler time. Holiday season full of mixed emotions the older I get for sure.

Tonight I’m going to play that Christmas Album (albeit on Spotify) and have a cuppa cheer. Light a candle for the past memories and think of all good things still to come.