Memory Lane Miracles

While we were in Alaska, we stopped at the house I grew-up in. (I wrote all about the house on Loganberry, HERE.) I was excited just to drive by it, see how it looked, and how it felt around my old stomping grounds. My parents were with me, and my boys. Sammi had hurt her ankle, and opted to stay behind. 

As we drove up to the house, we could see that the yard was overgrown, and the house looked empty. We drove just a little bit past the house, and at that moment, one of the neighbors walked out of her home. We debated if we should talk to her about the house. She looked friendly, so we decided to ask what she knew. 

The lady was very friendly, and as we were talking, we let her know we had lived in that house for more than 20 years. She said the house was empty, and being prepared to rent. Then she smiled at us and said, "I'm a realtor, do you want to go in?" From the backseat of the van I eagerly exclaimed, "YES!" 

So, we drove into the driveway, and made our way to the front door. The friendly realtor-lady used her special key on her phone, and we walked into the house. 

Everything was different. The colors, the flooring, and especially the smell. It smelled nasty, rather than enchanting like when we lived there. It was also strange to see the house empty -- it was always so full of life and activity. As I walked around each room, I was overwhelmed with feelings stirred-up by the house that built me. It was like a dream -- very surreal to be there -- walking down a powerful memory lane. 

The kids were super-excited to walk through the Loganberry house. It is a large home, with lots of levels, and twists and turns. Charles talked about the house all the time, and described it as the most magical place on earth -- he LOVED this house. The time we spent together in that house was wonderful. We did a lot of our dating (and smooching!) in this house. 

At one point, I walked into the basement, and I had to keep it together. It was the room where Charles and I had our first kiss, while watching Jurassic Park. (Long story!) So many memories and emotions were tied to the house. Each room had seen so much life, and love, and joy. Sure there was some sadness and pain, too -- but that is not what was coming to my mind. Most of my memories revolved around Christmas somehow. My mom really made Christmas magic. My mom really makes everything magic! 

While we were there, I knew Charles was with me. I felt him very close. I ached that he was not having this experience with me physically -- he would have used his body to jump for joy at a chance to go inside the house. But he was there, with me. It was not the same, but it was still something special. I could feel his love and gratitude for the time we had together there. I could feel his love for me. 

Life is made up of memories. Today will be a memory tomorrow. Life will be a memory when you die. This house held 19 years worth of life-memories for me. It was quite overwhelming to be there. What a blessing, what a gift to have that opportunity. I was excited just to drive by it -- going inside was a dream!

Now tell me, do you think the next door neighbor realtor -- with a key -- just happened to be there, at the perfect moment? One moment sooner, or later, and we would have missed her completely! Coincidence? I think not! 

Tender Mercies. Tender Miracles!  I have seen a few. 

On the same journey to the house, we decided to drive by U.A.A. (the college in Alaska), where Charles and I met. We drove past the business building -- the building where we met while in a religion Institute class (Teachings of the Living Prophets), on the third floor. The class was taught by a Brother VanOrden, and I originally thought Charles was his son. (That is what happens having a "Van" as part of your last name. People catch the "Van" part… the rest is always too complicated -- "Van what?") The story of our meeting I have written somewhere on the blog.

To think, without making the choice to take the class, Sammi, Daniel, William, and Henry, would not be here! And I would not be bound to Charles for eternity. Life is amazing when you stop and consider it, you know? It is all pretty miraculous. Meeting people and falling in love, because of "chance" meetings, and small decisions -- wow. It is awesome. God has His hand in all things. That is clear to me.

And, to top it off, there was a rainbow around the sun -- right over the spot where we met. Someone is aware of me, watching over me.

Make happy memories. When it is all said and done, they are everything! When my emotions get the best of me, I find that looking through pictures, stories, journals, blog posts -- memories -- gives me a sense of great joy and happiness.

Make it a good life.

Go make some happy memories!