WHEN we remember is just as significant as HOW we remember. Timing plays a poignant part of our connected lives. Rambling Billy's remembrance of his grandmother frames the inter-relationship of not only Billy and his Grandmother, it also in one moment freezes and defines the fleeting emotional relativity in the bonds of family.
Recollect and revisit. Tell your story.
I was a kid. Grandma was dead. She was laying there in a gruesomely pretty box, middle of the little room against the wall. Aunts, uncles, god knows who else and Grandpa in a chair by the door at Grandma's feet.
Grandpa called me over with a gesture, put me on his lap. " Sonny do you remember your grandma?" I knew this was an important question and I needed to get it right. I thought about it. Thought I did and replied," yes ."
Grandpa asked, " What do you remember about your grandma, Sonny?" Oh shit, the question was getting harder. I thought about it, tried to remember grandma. And remember her I did: her laughter overflowing the kitchen and filling the living room. So I replied, " Her laugh." In the same instant grandpa erupted in grief and I found myself on the other side of the room. Everybody swooped on grandpa.
I'm very thankful of my grandfather for that. I still have a distant memory of my grandmother, well at least her laugh. And my grandfather;
He loved her very much.