(A special memory by Sheila Gail Landgraf)
My parents long ago moved away from the farm that they inherited from my grandfather, deciding like all people do when they get older to simplify their lives. My Dad has moved on to heaven and my Mom didn't need to be keeping up a farm on her own. I do not blame them for doing this at all, and I have always reminded them that memories never fade away. I am so very grateful for all those wonderful memories, especially the spingtime memories, that we shared in my old childhood homes on that land. The first homestead was in an over one hundred years old rock house, then there was a new brick house built, then finally a move to a fine stately house that sat on top of a high hill. All of these places were setting peacefully on land once owned by my grandfather, and life at each place was enchanting.
We always had such beautiful family gatherings and they were especially special in the spring.
So sometimes, I just like to stop and look at the photos and remember those special days and be grateful to God for allowing me and my family to have them. Here is a brief sharing that I will share with you where I recorded a typical memory of one of our spring gatherings:
After a nice peaceful ride through the country, we arrived!
The farm was lovely, all green and fresh for spring!
Mom and Dad greeted us, and the house was beautiful and full of delicious food smells.
The tablescapes Mom used were so lovely!
We joined company with my brother and his family, my uncle and my cousin (both of who now reside in heaven with my father) and gave thanks for all the blessings of the day.
Then Mom fed us a feast.
After much good food and conversations, our daughter Christin and her husband Clay decided to take a stroll outside.
I took their photo from Mom's kitchen window.
It wasn't long before everyone wanted to get into the act.
We all went outdoors to enjoy the sunshine and take a few group pictures.
Here is a photo of me with my husband, my parents and our children and son-in-law. I'm the one with only her head of wind blown hair showing!
Since this photo we have gained another son-in-law and two and one-thirds more grandchildren!
Here are our girls and our first son-in-law. Our son got cut out of this photo, but he is in the next one!
These were the days before Lauren was married when Christin and Clay were only newlyweds. There are no pictures of my other son-in-law (Vince) because it was before the days of Vince and Vinny, our grandson by Vince. Also, Olivia was only a thought into the future in those days. It was during a time when Erin was foot-loose and fancy free. Now we get to enjoy the company of her boyfriend Alex at most family gatherings.
I'm so glad I have these photos to share with those others who have come to join us later. They can now know a taste of the family history from these photos and our many stories.
Don't you know we had a good place to hide Easter eggs when the kids were younger?
Have you ever seen greener grass or more lush land?
Our kids were fortunate to have the run of this land when they were young children, building huts and dams in the creek, playing in the old treehouse and running through the pastures with our lab named Baby.
I think The Farm was glad to see us that day, maybe it was even marking memories too, suspecting that we would not be around forever.
We were certainly glad to be there.
It was a very beautiful day!
These good memories make my soul feel complete and resurrected!
God has graciously allowed us to share so many blessings!
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