Nostalgia Gifts

As I sit at my computer writing, some word, some phrase will bring a flash of memory that stops me in the middle of a sentence. I pause, lose my train of thought, and am propelled back in time to my childhood, so long ago. Oh, those beautiful hills of West Virginia! Was it only yesterday that my sister and I were walking up the hill to the schoolhouse where I would see my beautiful favorite first grade teacher, anticipating her smile of pleasure as she read my poem? Awash in a flood of memories, I whisper a prayer of thanksgiving for all the nostalgia gifts bestowed upon us from above.

Did ever a distinctive smell just flood your entire being with nostalgic feelings of long ago? I remember my grandparent’s house had a particular smell of – what? I have never found a word to describe it. But on rare occasions, a whiff of that same, sweet aroma will send me back to those “babysitting” nights spent with Grandma and Grandpa, in the big bed, with my sister asleep beside me as I lay awake watching the shadows on the wall of that big scary bedroom.

How happy was I when morning came, with the smell of pancakes and bacon beckoning us to the breakfast table downstairs in the huge, cold kitchen. But now I miss that big house and that small town and those loving grandparents which this moment of nostalgia allows me to relive.

More recent moments of nostalgia occur, taking me by surprise, when I see a loving couple, perhaps in a restaurant, or at church, or even walking along the street. As the husband helps his wife to be seated at the table or helps her remove her coat; as they look lovingly into each other’s eyes while conversing; as they intimately reach out to clasp the other’s hand, or instinctively put their arms around each other, behaving as though they were one. Oh, those wonderful memories! The Nostalgic gift of reliving those moments shared by my beloved now gone before me to his heavenly home are the most precious of all.

When we think about gifts, I wonder, do we overlook the fact that one of the greatest gifts of all is the gift of oneness with family and friends. Think with me for a moment - what are you putting first in your life? Are you so busy with work, keeping house, doing all the things necessary to survive, that your loved ones are pushed out of the way? Have you really prioritized your activities? When was the last time you let your family and loved ones know how you love them? How about your friends – do you also just take them for granted?

Allow me to encourage you to sit down for a few moments and take a little trip down memory lane. Ascribe to yourself the Nostalgic gift of remembering the intimacy you once enjoyed with your spouse; when you were still in awe of the miracle of the birth of your children; love lavished by your parents throughout the years; a treasured friend that you have allowed to slip out of your life. As you can see nostalgia gifts are not always purchased.