Looking Back
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I was born in the 80’s. I drank from a water hose, picked blackberries from the bushes in my yard, and ran barefoot across the deck of our above-ground pool. I floated around on my Smurf pool toy, then happily dried off by dancing around the warm prickly grass of our yard. This was usually followed by climbing on my jungle gym and sliding down that hot metal slide without a second thought. Summer days smelled like chlorine, watermelon, and burgers from a charcoal grill. I remember late afternoons watching dark storm clouds roll in and having to crank down the umbrella attached to our patio table, then rushing inside before the first drops of rain fell.
Growing up in Charleston, we also had many beach days! I can still remember the way the breeze felt on my face as my mom drove us home after a long day at Isle of Palms. I sat happily wrapped in my towel with sand still on my toes as she drove across the old Cooper River Bridge. I still vividly remember eating a little cheeseburger from McDonald's in the backseat while “Circle in the Sand” played on the radio. Somehow the taste of ketchup mixed with the remnants of saltwater on my hands, but it was delicious on those car rides home! It feels like yesterday.
School days consisted of those little plastic math blocks, cursive writing, and various storybooks. Where holidays would come around and we would all get excited to see that big box tv & stand being rolled in our classroom. Christmas movies and crafts filled the last few days of school before holiday breaks. The weeks leading to Christmas were spent with family festivities, driving around to see neighborhood Christmas lights, Sears toy catalogs, and shopping for last-minute gifts. I can still smell the hickory farms stand that was set up in the mall. My grandfather always loved their gift sets and seemed to get one every year! The air was a mix of Balsam, ribbon candy, pralines, and fresh caramel popcorn. Family Christmas get-togethers were always a favorite memory. We all gathered around Gran's table telling old stories and sharing memories that could never be forgotten. Laughter always filled the rooms and days like those were ones you never wanted to end.
Warmer weather would roll back around, and daylight finally lasted longer. I would ride my bike around the neighborhood until the hum of the streetlights signaled it was time to head back, though I never really went too far. Friday nights would always be something to look forward to. Many Fridays were spent sitting in the middle of the den floor on a huge pillow watching TGIF with a slice of pizza in my hand. I can still hear the theme song of Full House and Perfect Strangers! I was usually out like a light by midnight even though I tried my best to pull an all-nighter! Saturday mornings were filled with cartoons, cereal, and Super Mario on the Nintendo before heading outside for the day! There were so many memories. Sometimes I can close my eyes and go back to those places in my mind. It’s so vivid. Sometimes I feel like I can reach out and touch it before it fades away.
I am thankful for these memories. These are part of the things that have made me who I am. I am thankful that even through all the bad I have endured, there were these amazing moments of good mixed in. I like to think of these things at times. These memories I hold so dear. I could fill my days thinking about past trauma, disappointments, heartbreak, or hurt, but why? God has healed so many broken parts of my past and I don’t let the bad define me! I am also reminded of Philippians 4:8...
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."
When I look back, I want to be thankful for all the good, not dwell on any bad! When you change your focus and perspective, your life changes. It's ok if you want to look back but, always remember in the end to LOOK UP!!
Love, Brandi