I remember...

one late evening, long after I had been asleep when I was awaken by a gentle touch and presented with a spoonful of peanut butter...my mother must have felt I needed the protein, but I don't remember that particular night going to bed hungry; although there were many nights when I did.

Maybe it was a special treat for doing something extraordinary...I did risk my life by jumping in the sea near a rock pier from which my sister has fallen from, saving her from drowning.  Maybe she was showing her gratefulness for that act...an act that was without thought but driven my the terror in my sister's wide eyes just beneath the surface of the water. Maybe my midnight treat was just that...a way to show her gratitude for saving my sister.

I also remember many letters filled with $1 or $2 from my Auntie Tina over the span of my youth.  When I was older, Aunt Tina became a solid figure in my life as I was ultimately the one who cared for her in her later years. Although sometimes a burden to make time to visit her regularly while she was in a nursing home, it was also my desire to do so because I always placed myself in her shoes...confined to what little stimulation nursing homes can afford...my visits meant the world to her and to me.  She gave my life purpose and meaning...often her smiles and gratitude filled me with such joy, it's hard to explain.

Sadly, my dear mother passed away on January 9th of this year and my beloved auntie not two months later on March 10th.  I miss them dearly...mourn them daily...but so very grateful out of all the millions of people, God handed me over to be blest as a part of their family.  My sweet memories may at some point fill the hole that has been left in my life with their passing...but they don't come close at the moment. Someday...