Chapter 23 -The Happiness of Memories-
Ever since the first days of our lives, we accumulate knowledge of the events that unravel in front of us. These events then turn themselves into memories which ultimately teach us how to live and how to address a large variety of emotions. Happiness, sadness, accomplishment, anger, fear, worry, curiosity, all decide the choices we make during different scenarios, later revealing unique outcomes. It doesn’t matter if memories are good or bad. As years pass, you are reminded of them with nostalgia and, somehow, sympathy because they built who you are as a person. Yes, some memories are sad and hurtful, sometimes you wish you would forget them but, in the end, it all completes the circle once more because they teach you a lesson, most of the times, worthwhile. At the point where you learn to accept them as happenings that define some moments of your past, you are left with only but happy moments. That, along with nostalgia was what my mind was filled with right now as my fingers flip the pages of an old dark brown, vintage like leather album. Each photograph comes to life before my eyes as I play back, like a movie, activities I’ve done with my father. Fishing, board games, learning how to manufacture wood in a creative manner, they all fill my soul with pure happiness of these times, driven by youth and complete freedom, not a single trace of worry portrayed upon our faces. Today was a special day. The occasion we are going to celebrate was the very reason why I now find myself travelling through the pages of the album, through my memories. My dad was coming over to visit and stay over for a month! I haven’t seen him in a few years, yet still kept in touch through face calls, but recently, the old man surprised me in the most wonderful manner he could have. He decided to move closer to my new family and work life, just outside the city I was living in with my wife. He got settled in his new cozy cottage, surrounded by nature and silence, away from the busy and loud life of the city, just like he always liked it. However, right now, all he wanted was to spend some time with me and the new family members, my wife Amelia and my 10-years-old daughter, Lara.
Soon I’m snapped out of my daydreaming by familiar high-pitched voice that fills the air. “Dad, mum asked me to check on you.” In front of my eyes bounces from side to side my daughter. She was really excited to finally meet the grandfather she heard so many stories of. A soft and warm smile spreads across my face as I nod. “Thank you, sweetheart. I’ll come to you two in a minute. In the meantime, what about you help your mum with the cookies she’s preparing?” Lara’s confused facial expression upon lying her icy blue eyes on the old leather album soon brightens up. “Sure, I’ll be on my way!” Soon after she strolls away, her long ponytail swinging from side to side. A relief sigh passes my lips as I gently trace the ends of the album and close it. I place it in the drawer at my desk and get up, walking over to the kitchen where a lovely smell of cooked turkey and potatoes fill the air. Amelia just takes the casserole dish out of the oven and places it on the counter before getting out a wooden board from a drawer and starts chopping some fresh parsley and basil. She then sprinkles the greens over the food to boost a little the appearance but also to be extra tasty. I trail my gaze towards the dinning room table that was all ready, some snacks and sweets placed on either side, allowing the middle to be occupied by main dish. “And I’m all done.” Amelia states victoriously once finishing ornamenting the food. “Everything seems perfect, darling.” I state, a large smile brightening up my face at the accomplishment of the evening preparations. “Sure do, your father’s room upstairs is also prepared for him to take over.” She states in a humorous manner as she points at the ceiling with her index finger. “Sounds great.” I was about to continue my sentence but get cut off my the bell ring that fills the few seconds of silence. “Oh, he’s here!” my wife says while my daughter darts over to the entrance door, using her all force to open it and welcome my dad. “Hello grandfather!” She says with pure enthusiasm as she throws herself into a hug. “Well hello there, little one.” My father says softly as he hugs Lara with one hand
while the other was busy holding a bouquet of red and pink roses and tulips, held together by a beautiful white and silver dotted wrapping paper. Me and Amelia make our way to the door as well to greet the old man. “It’s a pleasure to meet you at last.” Amelia sates in calm and polite matter. “Oh, don’t be silly. The pleasure is mine. This is for you, Amelia dear.” He hands the bouquet of flowers to my wife who thanks him immediately but her voice is diminished by Lara. “What about me, grandfather? Do I get presents?” Little Lara speaks up and soon, laugh fills the atmosphere from the three adults that confuse the girl. “Of course you do. Here you go, little one.” My father removes from his pocket a husky plushie. The girl’s eyes widen with joy as she gently takes it and turns it around to check all the details. “Thank you! I love it!” She speaks. “You’re very welcome.” My father responds. “Well come on now you three, dinner will get cold.” Amelia calls from the dinning room as she places the beautiful flowers inside a vase she previously filled with water. “Yes, of course! You must be starving after all these hours on the road, father.” “Oh, don’t worry son. We lived without food for a whole day on our little boat trip until we reached our destination, remember?” “How could have I forgot, it was a surreal experience.” I respond. “A boat? On a lake? Was there fish?” Lara asks, driven by pure curiosity. “Now now, we have all evening to talk about memories. Shall we eat first?” Amelia states. My father gives a gentle tap on Lara’s head in a reassuring manner, “Your mother is right. After we eat, we talk. Maybe I’ll tell you even about that tortoise I found.” He winks in a joking manner towards the little girl which only fuels her excitement even more. Soon enough the dinning room is filled with the four family members. We have a wonderful time talking and rememorize family adventures of the past along with getting to know each more. That’s when I realize that no matter how much time passes, no matter how far from people you care about you are, the bond never weakens and those moments you get to meet each other again is one
of the most lovely feelings of all time and I wish to cherish these memories that take form right now, for a long long time‌ Forever.