Remnants: The Quilt, The 'Vette and Other Stuff
After someone dies, smells, sounds and places whirl you back to moments of the past. These drifts in our memories are not controlled - they come unexpectedly. Something triggers you, and you're taken to a different place and time without a moment to think. Initially, I found these moments quite painful, a reminder of all that I'd lost. But lately I find these memories to be a comfortable reminder of the wonderful life Patrick and I had together. I've also found myself reminiscing about my father and grandparents who were such important people in my life. Recently, Dave, the Produce Manager at Raley's was putting out various types of nuts for the holidays including chestnuts. He asked me, "have you ever tried these?" In that moment I was taken to Manhattan with Patrick before ALS, caregiving and all that stuff. For just a moment, I was in Times Square buying chestnuts from a street vendor with my husband. It was a cold November evening, Caitlin was with us,