Stories from the Stringam Family Ranches of Southern Alberta

From the 50s and 60s to today . . .



Friday, August 24, 2012

Remembering


We are vacationing in Banff, Alberta.
To our family, the most beautiful little corner of the world.
Smelling the sun-baked pines as we hike.
Tasting the pure, clear water.
Renewing our up-close-and-personal relationship with the mountains and all things forest.
It is our 22nd year at the Rocky Mountain Resort.
Our family was raised here.
Our kids learned to swim in that pool.
Lob tennis balls across the net in that court.
Work out in that gym.
Follow those trails.
Paddle down that river.
Wonderful, sunny, happy times.
Anticipated throughout the year.
Enjoyed fully and completely.
And given a fond farewell until the next time.
This year is a bit different.
Many of our kids are here.
With their kids.
Our little two-bedroom apartment has, of necessity, grown to three similar-sized units.
With a different family filling each one.
There is much scurrying down the porch or across the bridge to the other apartments.
Much giggling and laughter as the cousins play together.
Movie night takes up one entire living room/dining room/kitchen.
Just to accommodate the excited little watchers.
And we fill the pool.
One of our granddaughters, aged five, is just learning to swim.
For the first time, she announced that she no longer wanted to wear a life vest.
I was standing at one side of the pool as she swam to me from her mother on the opposite side.
“Kick your legs!” I called to her.
She swam furiously, finally touching my hands and standing up.
Glowing with accomplishment.
And quite suddenly, I was remembering saying and doing the exact same thing with her mother and aunts and uncles.
In the exact same spot.
I'm sure it was just yesterday.

9 comments:

  1. where does it all go?????

    ReplyDelete
  2. I'm watching two little girls rush out to the school bus and it gives my heart the same tug.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's what I keep telling my kids. Changing diapers one minute. Dancing at weddings the next. And then the grandkids are the ones raising their families . . .

      Delete
  3. Isn't it amazing how fast time flies... I am doing things with Valentina that I did with Andrea 20+ years ago. With my oldest being 31 this year and Valentina only being 9. I enjoy it a lot more the second time around even if I am a bit more tired:)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. HeeHee! I know exactly what you mean! I certainly don't have the energy this time around!!!

      Delete
  4. That sounds just perfect! Nothing is as fun as when our whole family gets together- but we are still waiting on grandchildren!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The family days are the very best of days! Thank you for your visit!

      Delete

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