Riches

My brain is a funny place. I don’t know how the brain of other people works, but mine pops in and out of past, present and future seamlessly. It doesn’t take much and a memory is triggered. I can be taken back to my childhood in an instant. Sure, I have some memories I would rather forget, but often I am revisiting happiness’s of my youth. And as I have grown my family there is one memory I recall that I am most fond of…

My family lived on Donald Street in Oregon City, which was fortunately a great place to grow up- city, street and all. Unfortunately, it our house was pained Pepto-Bismol pink (by choice!). I would not joke about this, boys. There are some things even this Mama cannot imagine… we lived in a pink house. Anyway, for a period of time my Dad’s brother John lived with us. He had his bachelor pad outback. Uncle John was someone who was always fun. His laugh was contagious. He was playful, but no meant no. I knew that. His eyes sparkled much like my own father’s eyes do. I don’t know if I ever saw him in anything other than a plaid cowboy shirt. The kind of cowboy shirts with snaps in place of buttons that have pockets with triangular closures also snapping closed. He talked slower than those I knew and lived simply. He smelt of Old Spice, cigarette smoke and coffee. Gosh, I smell him now even as I type.

I have not seen him since I was a preteen. Funny, as I think about him often. You just never know the people who will leave an impression on your life. And you never know if you are a person who has left an impression. Well, he definitely left an imprint on me. I sure loved my Uncle John.

I remember being in our family room. I was sitting on the couch with me on one side of him and my brother Jake on the other. We were playing and goofing around. He hugged us both real tight. He scooped us up and sat us each on a knee. He said, “Did you know your Dad is a rich man?” Jake and I perk up. “He is?!” I exclaimed. “Yep, he is the richest man I know!” Uncle John said smiling back at us. Jake asks, “Does he have a million dollars?” Uncle John nuzzled on him and said, “Nope. Well, not that I know of!” He looked at me and then back to Jake and said, “He is the richest man I know because he has your Mama, you, your sister and your brother.” I think he could tell he stumped us. “A wealthy man has money, but a rich man has love. And your Dad is the richest man I know. He has all of you!”

Over the years this memory has resurfaced. I don’t know what triggers it, but it comes back again-and-again. I always knew it was a lovely thought, but until I had my own family didn’t understand its depth and true worth. I am glad I am in the family as it looks like the family tree of riches is in bloom, yet again. I am one of the richest women I know… I won't even be modest: boys, we are rolling in it!

My wish for you two boys is the tree blooms for you as men. The harvest will feed your spirit your entire lives. The fruit of love is wonderful.