We are very excited about the new look of our homepage! As people visit the I Still Remember You for the first time, they will see that we are a chrono-geographical search tool. They’ll see sample postings from you folks–the members!!!
The more people who become members, the better the chance of making connections. We really hope you’ll help spread the word about this website.
Thanks!
Archive for the ‘Reunion Stories’ Category
Whisper “I Love You” Day
Tuesday, January 19th, 2010
Today, is Whisper “I Love You” Day. I did a quick search on Google and there are sites that actually sell e-cards in honor of today! If you don’t tend to let family and friends verbally know that you love them, why not give it a go today? When you shock them with those three little words uttering from your mouth, you can also add a disclaimer, “Just trying to honor the day!”
But in all seriousness, why are we hesitant in letting people know that we love them? Why does it cause such an awkwardness? Perhaps you come from a family that freely says, “I love you” and hugs a lot. For some of the rest of us, “I love you” tended to be a form of good-bye when someone was headed off to the service, to college, etc. Within my circle of friends, we sometimes sign our cards “Love ya”, but rarely speak the words. When the words are spoken, it’s usually during a crisis or at a wedding.
Over the past few months, I have been trying to make more of an effort to let family and close friends verbally know that I love them. The usual response is “I love you too” or the person makes some sort of joke. Once in awhile someone will say that they really needed to know that someone loved them and cared.
If you’re like me and not used to saying “I Love You” a lot, how about challenging yourself? At least once a week, let someone know you love them. It might make a big difference in their day!
Listen to your heart…
CHILDHOOD FRIENDS
Friday, January 8th, 2010
Childhood friends…friends from the neighborhood, friends from school, friends from clubs such as Girl Scouts, friends from youth group…etc. Recently I was sorting through some old photos and came across a few pics of my friend Genene. Genene was my next door neighbor and we had the privilege of being neighbors since birth through high school!
Although Genene was three years younger than me, we usually got along just great. We had fun playing games together, cooling off in her wading pool, playing cops and robbers with the other neighborhood kids, and walking to school together. We even took turns having crushes on the boys on our street! One thing that we especially liked was when our parents would let us have sleepovers!
We would either camp out in the back of my dad’s station wagon or in her dad’s shed. I know that that sounds silly now, but back then, it was a treat! We “packed” for these sleepovers — scary books, munchies, flashlights, pillows and sleeping bags. We would either spend most of the nights spooking each other with the scary stuff or giggling over shared secrets. One time when Genene was reading a really really scary story, we thought we heard a noise. The windows were rolled down halfway. Genene stopped reading so we could listen better. We heard the noise again and suddenly the station wagon began to rock!!! Thinking it had to be a monster or a great big bear, we began to scream and scream! Then we realized it was my dad just having fun with us!
One thing that Genene and I did disagree on was playing Barbies. I enjoyed Barbies for awhile, but at the time I outgrew them, Genene insisted on playing with them! I remember spending hours pretending to be Barbie, Skipper or Ken. Eventually, she outgrew them as well. Whew!
I still live in the house that I grew up in. I went away to college and returned to the area to teach. Long story short…both parents have passed away and the house is mine. Genene’s parents still live next door. So anytime Genene comes home, we try to spend a little time together. She’s married now and has two children who get a kick out of our childhood days.
So even though we’re both grown up, we stay in contact. We “see” each other on Facebook almost every day. We send emails and cards from time to time and sometimes she comments on blogs from this site. I’ve been out to visit her family once. When there is a crisis in her family or mine, we’re there for each other. I couldn’t pick a better childhood friend!
How about you? What was one of your childhood friends like? Are you still in touch with that person? If you aren’t, how about considering doing a search for him/her on this site? Get reconnected and see what happens.
Listen to your heart…
The Gift
Friday, December 18th, 2009
Christmas is just one week away. Are you looking forward to the reaction on someone’s face when he/she opens the gift that you put a lot of thought into? Do you reminisce about past Christmases and some of the special gifts that you’ve received? This time of year makes me think about Isabella…
Isabella, an elderly woman, was feeling somewhat down. Her husband passed away two years ago and her children lived in different states. Her best friend just went into an assistive living facility. Rather than dwelling on these things, Isabella decided to haul out one of her closets and get rid of things that have been stored for decades. She began to pull out blankets, framed pictures, old souvenirs, books and other odds and ends.
In the far corner of one of the shelves, Isabella spotted a small box. Using her cane, she inched the box toward her until she was able to safely reach it. The box was a simple cardboard one, adorned with Christmas stickers. She took the box and sat down in a chair. Lifting the cover carefully, Isabella saw the white tissue paper with cute little drawings–a Christmas tree, Santa, a stocking and an angel. She instantly knew what was wrapped inside of the tissue. It was a bell given to her by her oldest son, Roger. Isabella removed the bell from the box and began to ring it gently. As it was ringing, a note fell out. In Roger’s eight year old handwriting, the note said, “Mommy, whenever you need a hug, ring this bell.” Isabella had no recall of ever seeing the note until that moment.
As she continued to gently ring the bell, her thoughts centered around Roger. He was such a thoughtful little boy, always caring for others. As a teen, he worked hard at a gas station. Roger got married in his 30’s and raised three children. Recently retired, he and his wife have been doing a lot of volunteering.
So lost in her thoughts, at first Isabella didn’t feel the hand placed on her shoulder. Then she heard his voice, “After all these years, you’re finally ringing my bell.” Realizing that Roger was in the room, Isabella turned around. Roger gave her a long hug and asked her to go downstairs with him. Gathered in her living room, were her children, their children and grandchildren! Isabella’s feeling blue quickly faded away as she talked and laughed with her family.
How about including a personal note with some of your gifts this year? You’ll never know when and how they’ll impact someone’s life.
Listen to your heart…
