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Celebrating the Joy of Living & Home Making ~

Baking, Cooking, Decorating, Tea Time, and taking Inspiration from those I love and the world around me...

A sharing of my heart and my home from a Christian perspective

...with a wee bit of whimsy added.

Wednesday 22 April 2015

Memories ~ Treasures of the Heart

Memories are timeless treasures of the heart.~ unknown

I am thankful that God made us in such a marvellous way that He gave us memories. Our memories come from past experiences which help mould us into who we are. Both good and bad.


My earliest memories come from my first home; my grandparents' farm in New Brunswick, Canada. Once called Bridgedale, it is now known as Riverview.


It was the dearest place which now only resides in my memory. It is a happy place where I visit in my heart from time to time. 


The farm was standing long before I came along because it was home to my great grandparents and it is where my mother, her sisters, and her little brother all grew up.


My mother, her sisters, and baby brother

I loved that house and all the people in it! You can see from the vintage picture below that the house had a wonderful veranda on the front. I spent many happy hours playing out there as a little girl. 




That house was my castle and I loved living there and later, visiting there. It had many rooms with all kinds of nooks and crannies and it was a splendid place for a little girl to develop a scope for imagination. To the right of the house and barn which you can't see in the photo was the chicken coop where I helped Granny feed the chickens and gather the eggs.




Behind the house and barn was, and still is, the Petitcodiac River. Also called the Chocolate River, it is where the famous Tidal Bore comes rushing through twice a day filling in the riverbed.



When I was a little girl, I called it the pink river because the water and shoreline was a pinkish colour. And boy, was that muck ever fun to play in! It squished between my fingers and toes like pudding. Indeed, it had the consistency of pudding and I thought it was the most wonderful and magical river in the whole world.


My hubby sees it differently and calls it a big mud puddle. That is an ongoing joke between us...


The best thing about memories.... is making them. ~
unknown 


I lived in the farmhouse until my Daddy built our home just on the other side of the apple orchard. The thing I liked best about that was I could skip through the orchard and visit my Granny anytime I wanted to. She was my most favourite person in the whole wide world in those days. There were always wonderful smells coming from her kitchen and tins of fresh baked cookies in her pantry.


Here is Granny with my cousin and they are admiring my new born cousin who is wrapped in the blanket.

One day, my Daddy packed us all up and moved us to Prince Edward Island. We would go over to NB every holiday and every other weekend to visit my grandparents and my uncle. Sometimes we spent most of the summer there. It was as though we had never left.

It was always a great adventure for my brother and me because we usually took the train which also went by way of the ferry. At the end of the journey would be warm hugs from my grandparents. It was always great fun to see my uncle, who was only eight years older than me, my aunts, and my cousins again. 


I had two heroes in my life while growing up; my father and my uncle. Both men were handsome, very bright, and full of life.


A few years after we moved to the Island, my beloved grandmother passed away and my life was never the same after that. Although my grandfather and uncle came to visit, and we often visited them, I missed my Granny terribly. Her presence was deeply missed by the whole family.


But I had my memories and she resides there still.


My grandfather remarried a few years later and moved into his new wife's house. He turned the big farmhouse into apartments and my Auntie P and her family lived in part of the house for awhile. Then one day the barn burned down, changing the landscape considerably.


Later on, Grampy sold the homestead and a family transformed it back into a family home complete with a swimming pool.


This picture was taken in the 1980's. 

The farmland all around was subdivided but they named a couple of streets after my grandfather and my uncle.


My cousins at the intersection of the two streets


I took this picture of the old house a few years ago. It looks so much different now. It is painted blue and the trees practically hide it from the road. I had trouble getting a good shot but I look at that house and I remember; that was my happy place.  



I look at the old house and I still hear the laughter of that little girl. I can still smell Granny's home cooking and I can still picture her churning butter in the back porch. I remember the tins of cookies in the pantry and I can still taste her home made ice cream. Best of all, I remember the love that was in that house.

Our memories are wonderful places to go, aren't they? They are places in our hearts that will never grow old and they will always be a part of who we are. They tug at our heart strings and they have the power to transport us back to another time. 


Sometimes you will never know the true value of a moment until it becomes a memory. ~ Dr. Seuss 


So many things have changed over the years. My grandparents are gone and have been for a long time. Two of my aunts have also passed on. And now, my beloved uncle is gone too. But I envision him in a better place. Someday, we'll be together again. 


In the meantime, I still have my memories.



My beloved uncle and me last summer on his last visit. 




I am sharing this with these wonderful parties~


Home and Garden Thursday

Share Your Cup Thursday
Home Sweet Home

Sharing from my heart ~ Sandi

40 comments :

  1. I don't even know you and you made me cry! Probably because I have a similar story but in the farm country of the San Joaquin Valley of California. Living through a time where we have gone from an agrarian society to what we are today leaves us yearning for those times gone by - milking cows, churning butter, kitchens with big bins for flour, sugar and rice - because if you wanted something you made it - our of natural ingredients you either grew our purchased in their pure form. Thank you so much for this post.

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  2. Dear Sandi,

    You cannot know how precious your beautiful memories were for me, today, right at this moment. Thank you for sharing your sweet scenes of days gone by, of simpler times, and joyful togetherness. I think many can relate to the laughter, the love, the homemade goodness, of your beloved grandmother and her pretty home. Yes, visiting our memories, can certainly comfort us, and thank God, we are so blessed to have them.

    Wishing you a wonderful week!

    Poppy

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  3. Oh Sandi, that was beautiful. You are right memories are a very special gift from God. I enjoyed reading your story and I feel like it should be a book, kind of like Anne of Green Gables!
    The house is lovely, I too, was very very fond of my grandma and have many precious memories of her too.
    Thanks for sharing your precious memories with us. The older we get the more precious they get don't they?
    Have a wonderful rest of your week.
    Gina

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  4. Oh my, sweet friend, what a moving and lovely story and the way you write so eloquently, with so much feeling that you made me envision the entire visits and the time you lived there with your wonderful loved ones and all that reminded you of your dearest granny, like her food and her very own smell as well.
    After all is gone and all have gone, we only have the wonderful memories that makes us so blessed...like it does you dear friend.
    Thank you so much for sharing it with us.
    FABBY

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  5. Such a touching post, Sandi. You wove your life story into such a special piece. It reminds me of the cycle of life and that change is inevitable, but our memories are strong blessings. Take care and thank you for sharing your heart with us today.

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  6. Sandi, my heart is in my throat, I've not read such a heartfelt post about memories like this one. It's so sweet with emotion, full of love for your family and that home, was just beautiful to read. Thank you for sharing those wonderful and blessed memories with us today. My heart is filled to the top!

    Hugs,
    Nancy

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  7. Hello Sandi,

    I'm very sorry for the loss of your beloved uncle. Thank you for sharing your precious memories of your loved ones.

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  8. Greetings Sandy, what a beautiful story. I couldn't stop reading, everything you wrote I imagined almost like reading Anne of Green Gables. Thank you for your post I fully enjoyed reading.

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  9. A very moving post Sandi which got me thinking back to the happy times I spent visiting my grandmother at the farm with my parents. There was always so much to do with the animals and the imagination of young cousins visiting at the same time.
    I'm sorry for the loss of your beloved uncle but you will keep him alive in your memories.

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  10. I can't believe the parallels in our stories. I too lived on property quite near my grandparents - the equivalent of 3 houses away today. Ours was a chicken ranch and orange groves an unfortunately there was a fire, but only the tank house and not the house. Like you, our property was sold and subdivided and the streets were named after family members. My grandparents' house was torn down, but my childhood home is still there. My sister bought me out and her son lives there now.

    Thanks for evoking memories this evening.

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  11. What lovely memories. I too have wonderful memories of Grandma and Grandads home. We visited only once or twice a year and usually at Christmas time. The taste of Grandmas marzipan on the beautiful frosted with snow cake is still with me today. Your Grand parents home looks beautiful even today. Its nice to know it's still loved.

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  12. What a beautiful post. You are lucky to have such wonderful memories. It is so nice to be able to go back into your heart and pull up the memories that are so special to you! And nice to have photos to go along with the memories.

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  13. Dear Sandi, this is such a precious post. I never knew my own Grandparents, so you sharing this made me long for that family connection. We are imprinted by the ones we hold dearest in our hearts. Your story is a sweet gift from the Lord. Thank you for sharing it with us.

    Hugs, Jocelyn

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  14. Beautiful memories of a loving family, so very special. Thanks for sharing. Patty/NS

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  15. Summers on the farm with my Grandmother and other family members... cousins... Aunts... Uncles!! Loved visiting that farm ... daily life with extended family!!! Sent this on to my daughter and daughter in law.... Thank you so much for sharing!!!

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  16. This is such a lovely post, and what a legacy your family has left behind, how wonderful! Thank you for sharing such a personal and beautiful snippet from your life. With Mother's Day fast approaching, I certainly understand your missing your granny. Each year, I miss her dearly, but yes, we do have the lovely memories! So sorry for the recent loss of your uncle.

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  17. That truly touched my heart. Such beautiful memories! So glad you shared them with us. I think we all have those special little childhood memories tucked away somewhere that come popping out at us when we are reminded by others' treasured memories. My condolences to you on the passing of your beloved Uncle. It's sad when an era comes to an end, but then we move forward into making new memories for the next generations to cherish. Blessings to you and yours today.

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  18. Lovely post. I still remember my Granny's house and the lovely times I had there - don't think it will ever leave me. Greetings from sunny Scotland.
    Liz @ Shortbread & Ginger

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  19. I am thankful that God gave us memory too, Sandi.
    Beautiful post.
    xoxo

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  20. Hi Sandi,
    It is so nice to have those lovely memories. I love the photo of your Mom and her siblings.
    Sorry for the loss of your uncle.
    Take care,
    Carolyn

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  21. I am so sorry for your loss. Loved seeing the pictures and your reminiscing. I especially liked the photo of you and your uncle. Love shines through in that picture.

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  22. What a lovely post! It is so sad to lose our loved ones but we do have our memories. Your photos are just wonderful!

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  23. Sandi, I really enjoyed reading your memories of your grandmother's home. I am trying to picture this house and will definitely look for Garland St. and the house the next time I'm in Riverview. Bridgedale was below Gunningsville wasn't it? It's strange and sad how time changes things so much. I was just reading through some books on the history of Moncton and the heritage of my father's side of the family they had in the building of the city from the mid-1800's. It is really interesting to delve back into family history and especially to remember what we experienced that we cherish to this day. Thank you for sharing your Granny's home and memories with us. Blessings, Pam

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    1. Hi Pam,
      Yes, when you drove off the old Gunningsville Bridge, Bridgedale was to your left going towards Lower Coverdale. Blessings, Sandi

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  24. Oh dearest Sandi, I am so sorry to hear about your loving uncle. It was with a heavy heart that I was wondering if it was your uncle that passed away. Yes, thankfully we have our memories to keep them alive in our hearts. I so enjoyed reading about your childhood memories and seeing all the photos that you shared with us. My love, hugs, and prayers are with you, my friend.

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  25. This was a perfect read for me Sandi. My sister died suddenly and expectantly last weekend. Memories this week have been flooding me....good ones of her and the bond we shared. Your memories are wonderful ones and looking at the pictures, and reading your thoughts....it's a definite reminder of Anne of Green. Gentle, family, home, nature.

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  26. Oh what a most enjoyable and lovely post dear Sandi. I got lost in time just reading it. What a delight. How blessed you were to have such a good granny. I never got that blessing but try to be a special grandmother to my little Otto. Thanks for this very private and lovely post.
    Linda

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  27. Sandi, what a lovely trip down memory lane, and how blessed you are to have those wonderful childhood memories. Your grandmother sounds like she was a wonderful lady. I only saw my grandparents a few days out of the year, but those days reside in my memory much like yours. I have found their house on google earth even! Not the same of course, but still nice to see.
    And I'm not sure I've ever seen a picture of you. You are just as beautiful on the outside as on the inside!
    My condolences on the loss of your uncle. Blessings, xo Deborah

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  28. Hi Sandi,
    What a beautiful look into your memories of your sweet childhood. I often go back to happy times spent at my Grandmom's and making the trip by train every summer. Sometimes it just feels good to close my eyes and go back there where life was simple and families were close. Thanks for sharing. Your thoughts made me feel good.

    hugs
    Sissie

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  29. Sandi, what a sweet post that tugged at my heart strings! Loved hearing about your sweet memories. They are precious and I cherish the ones I have as well. Although all of my grandparents had passed by the time I was born I had wonderful Aunts and a sweet mother that made my childhood special. I cherish those memories! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  30. Sandi, how beautiful! I have seen your Uncle in a few of your posts. I am so sorry for your loss. Your sweet memories are what it is all about isn't it? This experience we are having and the people we travel together with through it. Many blessings to you my friend! I will feature this at HSH this week.
    Hugs,
    Sherry

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  31. Ah Sandi, what a sweet post. How very special. I love that house has such sweet memories for you, and delighted that you have visited it over the years. The changes are amazing, yet there it is, with all its many faces.

    I love your have memories of your family elders. That is such a blessing.

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  32. Great story, Sandi. Reminds me very much of my relationship with my Granny. I was there all the time and they lived on a farm. Grandpa was a farmer in Illinois. I think of her everyday. She lived to be 91. Stop by and visit sometime :)

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  33. Sandi,I too live on a farm now that has been a dream for many many years! It is a blessing and a privledge to grow up this way with such beautiful loving memories of your family! You have truly been blessed! Cindy

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  34. Beautiful post. I have many cherished memories of my maternal Grandma, and can relate.
    Lori from LL Farm

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  35. What a beautiful post - you had me at New Brunswick which was where my Grandmother was from ( they moved after the " big fire " to Montreal )
    PEI is such a gorgeous part of this Country - with it's red sand and cliffs ( do you still there ? ) I have beautiful memories of time spent there and New Brunswick -
    Thanks so much for sharing - it felt a little like an Anne of Green Gables story :)
    I did a post ( quite a while back ) on my 2 Grandmothers - they really do leave their kisses on our heart .
    Hugs from Montreal
    xxx

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  36. Beautiful post, Sandi. As we get older our memories become that more precious to us. I agree they are a gift from God and if we choose the good ones, they are a balm for the spirit. My sympathy in the loss of your uncle. Blessings, Bess

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  37. Dear Sandi,
    It was really moving to read your story, which brings back to life your loved ones, through the memories you cherish and shared here.
    You're right, our memories are wonderful places to go, specially when there are people we miss so much that it sometimes hurts...
    Hugs

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  38. Sandi,

    What a sweet, sweet memory. I love trips down memory lane.

    ~Kiki~

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I am delighted to have you visit me and I read every comment. Please forgive me for not being able to visit you all as there are so many of you lovely bloggy friends now. I will visit as much as possible. I wish you a day filled with JOY!

Also, due to the amount of spam I've been getting, I have had to set Comment Moderation. ~ Sandi

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