In the top of the hallway closet, there’s a faded hatbox, covered with Raphael’s Cherubs from the Sistine Madonna. If I remember correctly, I purchased it at Hobby Lobby about twenty-five years ago. Inside are cherubs of my own, photographs of Drew and Lauren before the era of digital cameras. They have matching brown eyes, chubby cheeks, and full-mouthed smiles, the ones that say, Every day is the best day ever!
Here they are ages four and two, inside their Playskool playhouse, on the covered back patio of our first north Texas home. Honeysuckle grows on the chain link fence in the background. Drew with a smug, closed-mouth grin, his arm wrapped around Lauren’s neck, her mouth open wide and tongue sticking out, sort of like she’s choking, but there’s a smile behind the joke, and their eyes sparkle with mischief.
Here is Drew’s five-year-old birthday. His Chuck E. Cheese hat covers his soft brown curls, and he holds up a Power Ranger sheet, the matching pillow case in Lauren’s hand, and more of everything Power Ranger litters the living room floor—posters and coloring books, placemats and dishes and cups.
In a Halloween photo from the same year, Drew wears an eye patch and a red paisley doo-rag, a bushy, black pirate mustache and beard. A butterfly mask covers Lauren’s eyes. She’s two and three-quarters, and she wears a headband with sparkly antennae atop her still-blonde hair and wings the colors of Halloween, black, yellow, and orange.
If only I had appreciated these moments more at the time. They slipped away too soon. Thank God for the hatbox and happy memories! And you know what? Honeysuckle covers a section of fence here in our backyard, too. And the fragrance is heavenly.
During April, I’m reflecting on life, feeling grateful, and taking on the A-Z blogging challenge. I appreciate you for reading today! If you liked this one, click the links to the others below.
A is for Apple, B is for Boozer, C is for Champagne and Chanel No. 5, D is for Dad, E is for Epiphany, F is for Faith + Gratitude = Peace + Hope, G is for Great _______
Faith + Gratitude = Peace + Hope 
I loved this sweet slice of home life and honeysuckle. Thanks for sharing.
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Me, too! Thank you, Priscilla!! I went for a walk through the neighborhood park this morning, and I smelled the honeysuckle before I spotted it.
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Happy memories and heavenly scents
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Hello Sheree, I might have to add your phrases to my post! I love that. I hope you are well.
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My pleasure, go ahead. I’m fine thank you Crystal and I hope you are too.
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Precious memories
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They are! Thank you so much, Michael!
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Did you tear up going through your photos? I admit that pictures like those really touch me. Yours are terrific.
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I look at them from time to time, and I’m sure on another day I cried. I should have mentioned the date—1994. I can’t believe these photos are 26 years old. Drew is 30 now, and Lauren is 28.
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Good to reminisce, for sure. Harking back to saner times. Stay well Crystal. Allan
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I try to spend most of my time in the present, but I miss my little kids! Times were simpler (and saner). Take care, Allan.
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Wonderful.
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😊 Thank you, Nico!
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🙂🌏🍃
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Doubly nostalgic, Crystal, starting with a hatbox, which I didn’t think existed any more. Then, inside it, two kids fully as appealing as your nieces.
No fair! Haven’t the last few weeks taught you not to hoard? Yet, here you are, showing off four supremely adorable children. Don’t you know you have way more than your share?
So worthy of the pride, though!
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Truth be told, my son (now age thirty) lives with us and hears voices (even on medication) and screams at them day in and day out. You’re right, my dear. It’s not fair. And so I seek peace always. ❤️
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Oh my, Crystal. First of all, what a sterling testament to your love and patience.
Also, I only can imagine the demands this places on your life. I don’t quite comprehend how you can deal with it all, and then..to do so with the style, wit, creativity and generosity you’ve shown in abundance. We’ve only “known” each other (or, at least, interacted much) for a few weeks now, but that much is obvious.
Despite it all, you excel, Crystal. Inspiring.
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Thanks for sharing my feels, my friend (wiping tears from eyes). I can throw some ugly pity parties, but then I fight on.
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So adorable
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I just found your message in my spam folder. Thanks so much for visiting!
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H is for hope
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Of course! Hope always! Love, too!
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