Memories

Memories. We all have them. Sometimes something small will trigger an entire memory, transporting us instantly to a past time which lives on in the mind. Take this example; when I was four years old, I had to go into hospital for an operation. I remember wanting to take my giant teddy with me, for company. Mum suggested it was a little too large to take, so she and her younger sister (my aunt) shopped for something smaller. They found Snoopy, who not only came into hospital with me, but to this day sits nearby on a bookshelf. It’s funny the things you remember. My Snoopy, and indeed any Snoopy, remind me of Mum and her sister and their search for a toy.

When I was a little older, I recall visiting my aunt, uncle and young family in late summer, when the air was warm, days were long, and apples hung from the trees. We sat outside, sipping squash, and protecting our drinks from the wasps which were keen to share. Geese wandered through the orchard, jumping and flapping lazily to peck at the lowest fruit. Those were wonderful times to be a child. Fresh air, open spaces, and bouncing geese to entertain us. These days, just seeing a goose can transport me straight back there, surrounded by my family in a shaded garden in Kent.

As an adult, I travelled with my soon to be husband to a pretty French village nestled in the foothills of the Pyrenees. We were off on holiday, to stay with the same aunt and uncle. Many evenings were spent on the outside terrace, talking long into the night. My aunt said what she thought, had a quick mind and wicked sense of humour, and the sort of laugh which encouraged others to join in. Invariably, we went to bed late, after putting the world to rights over fine wine and good food. My husband and I woke one night to hear quite a commotion in our room. Turning the light on, we were treated to an acrobatic aerial display by a number of bats which had entered through the open window.

My abiding memories of this wonderful holiday are of relaxed nights talking, in the way you can when you’re completely comfortable in one and other’s company, and those incredible, agile bats zipping around the bedroom. Bats are, to this day, my trigger animal to take me back to that summer holiday.

These are just a few examples of treasured family times. People don’t always last as long as the memories you build together. Embrace those who are in your life, and make sure you create good memories with them. Take lots of photographs (and print them out), laugh often, and don’t waste energy on disagreements. Unless you happen to be putting the world to rights. In which case fine wine and good food are worthy accompaniments to the discussion.