A monumental task taking almost 16 months came to completion yesterday. I stood looking at piles of old yearbooks, magazines and letters. Another pile held vintage dresses and old uniforms that once belonged to my in-laws.
That will go to local theater groups. Another pile waits for a charity shop run.
As I write this post, I hear songs from Phoebes and cardinals outside my office window, interspersed with screeching of a red-tailed hawk that has a nest in the woods next to our house. It’s hunting in our yard again and its cries are an airborne death knell.
The twins will need these when they visit their grandma!
These sounds remind me of our lives lately. It’s been quite a week. Sorting through the last of the remnants of my inlaws’ 66-years of marriage at the ranch house they built and lived in for more than 40 years in the Ozarks combines with the news that my husband and I will be grandparents for the first time – of twins – this fall. Old life and now, new life.
The joy of hearing the news about the impending births and yet, the bittersweet knowledge that we can’t pick up the phone and tell his parents the news. So, I walked down to the family cemetery on the ranch yesterday and told them. My mother-in-law’s wind chimes tinkled. They hang from a cedar tree near her remains. A breeze blew fresh smells of forsythia and daffodils in my direction.
I like to think they know that life goes on from them to their son to their grandson to the new babies that will someday learn to love that old place like they did and I do.
Publisher/Editor Barbara Baird is a freelance writer in hunting, shooting and outdoor markets. Her bylines are found at several top hunting and shooting publications. She also is a travel writer, and you can follow her at https://www.ozarkian.com. View all posts by Barbara Baird
Barb,
Having read your post, I’m holding your week especially close. Enjoyed exchanging bits of our stories of rich time with family with week. Congratulations on the soon to arrive grandbabies!
Barb;
This one made me cry. I too have lost both my parents. It is hard to go through all their things, so many memories. I can not count how many times I have wished I could just pick up the phone and tell them some exciting news about the kids. Mom’s birthday is Monday and I think I will pick some daffodils and lay them between her and my Dad’s stones.
Thanks again for the tears and memories and Congrats to you and Jason!!!
Tammy
Absolutely awesome as I wipe a tear away with the back of my hand. Beautiful!!
Congratulations….TWINS? WOW!!
Nancy Jo
I had a friend who had twin girls tell me once she was so glad they were her first. She got all of the baby stuff out of the way in 2-3 years instead of finishing up with one to get started on another and her girls always had somebody to play with. Congratulations to the parents AND grandparents! Have you started shopping for camo onesies and booties yet?
I guess the lump in my throat says it all…beautiful, Barb. Congratulations!
Barb, what a joy to read your article and a joy of your big news! A very touching story. Thank you for brightening my day.
Great post Barb and congratulations! Being an Aunt of twins is one of the most special things I have in my life. Pure joy! I believe that your inlaws have already blessed them and are very aware of what’s taking place.
Can’t wait to see your place when completed! My best to you and your family!
Ditto on Kay. It is the way I feel when I go to my Grandparent’s place. Congrats to you! How exciting!
What a touching and heartfelt post. I am all mushy now and at the same time full of joy for you. Congrats to your whole family!
I love this post! And congratulations on the babies. Very exciting!
To all of you who sent good wishes out way, thank you and I’m glad you can share in our joy. Because news like this should make all of us happy, and if you knew our son and his wife, you’d even feel happier! They are going to rise to the occasion and make great parents.
To Tammy, yes … put some yellow flowers near where your parents’ remains lie. It’ll make you feel better and will add beauty. And that’s the toughest part, isn’t it? Wanting to share your life on earth and not being able to do so …
Yes, Stacy … women like you who are so knowledgeable about the outdoors and so willing to share that knowledge with others make me so proud.
You all have a happy Easter weekend.