I was just thinking about the strange way little things sneak up on you when you’re grieving for the loss of someone to whom you were very close. It’s an odd thing to be OK, then open a drawer and suddenly find yourself crying over an almost-empty Super Glue.
Every nook and cranny has something in it that has suddenly become very ‘April’ to me, and each of those things have happy, sad and nondescript memories related to them. Some of the items are every day (thanks for the memories, Super Glue!), and some are little things that were big to April, like her Biology 110 dissection kit.
I don’t mind the grief that comes with the little things, because so many other little things are reminders in a good way. Her shelves of books all over the house; binoculars for bird watching; a CD she played frequently; her favorite piece of cloth for its texture and design — all little things that remind me so well of who she was, and why I loved her.
Today, I’m going with friends to see UT play their first game of the season. Football was distinctly not an April thing, which is one of those little things that I’ll always remember and love.
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Mac, all the little things are part and parcel of the life and love that you and April shared. It’s almost as if she has left many, many love notes for you all over your home. Thank you for sharing that with us.
This weekend I went to Meg’s house in Decatur, Georgia. She has the forget-me-nots April gave her at friends & family Thanksgiving last year- they were blooming gloriously in her garden– it was a “little thing” that meant everything………………….K.
Thanks, Karen – that’s really cool to think about flowers that April shared blooming somewhere else.
And, Anne – your description of little love notes left all over the house by April is a perfect analogy. Thank you both for sharing.
Mac, The ‘little things’ seem to whisper “I love you, Mac”. As you continue to touch and be touched by the ‘little things’, I pray you heart and soul will smile thru your tears in rememberance of your precious April and the deep love and affection you two had for each other. My husband and I have been married for 37 years … life and marriage have become rather ho-hum. Thank you for opening my eyes to the beauty of unconditional love and the fragilityof life that should never be taken forgranted or become ho-hum. I love the little pictures of you and April … I hope you will share more. Affectionately, Barbara (friend of April’s parents)
Thank you for posting the photo booth photos.