Memories…short and sweet. I’m sure you’ll agree they are the most important gift. Many people experience the after-holiday-season letdown. We may be gearing up to ring in the New Year, but, for the most part, the holiday season is winding down.

I loved the night Dan, Kristin, Sav, Jo and I watched the movie Polar Express. Here I am all comfy on the couch with Sav and Jo. And though I have no physical picture I’ll always remember last night when Kristin, Sav, Jason, and I went to see the new Jumanji movie. But as fun as these movies were, it’s about being with family and friends.

This Christmas I was reminded that memories are not only created during the holiday season but throughout the year when I opened a gift from Jessica, my stepdaughter. It was from last spring when she flew in from Ohio for a visit. While she was here we went to a dessert shop for a goodie. It was on that day Jessica took this picture of me eating a flower (something she wasn’t sure of) that decorated my sweet treat. She made this fun frame to create a happy memory, and I can’t help but smile when I look at it.  

I know there are many people who have no one to make memories with, and others (including myself) hanging onto a memory of someone who has passed away. I can’t help but be grateful for my memories regardless of the time of year it is made.

I am quite certain the new iPhone or the pair of shoes I bought for myself during the holiday season will not hold their value, but the memories made with family and friends will. Our memories are all we have, and as I get older…and older…and older…this fact rings truer.

I know you have busy schedules, so I want to thank you for reading my ramblings, and I wish you all a Happy New Year. I hope you have a wonderful 2018 creating great memories of time with family and friends.