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Pages from the past …

November 14, 2008 By Kimber View Comments

She takes the boxes of sweaters down from the top shelf. Last night’s cool breeze reminded her of her warm, yet worn grey cardigan. As she slides the boxes off the ledge she sees something drop from the corner of her eye…a flutter that catches her interest.

“What could have possibly been hidden there these last few months?” My mind races with thoughts of forgotten treasure, high school time capsules and hope chests. I wonder if it is something I put away to remember or something I hid away to forget?
As I set down the boxes, I look to where I think the item had landed. Now, where can I find something that looks like it wasn’t there before. I know “something” fell down from that ledge…but what. I sit quietly looking from the top shelf to my current position on the floor. Hmmm…if I were a something how would I fall? Almost as if cued I notice a stark white piece of paper folded in fourths. Its corners doglegged and worn. Must have been something I had tucked into one on my purses or files. Why would I stick it under those boxes….my mind still draws a blank, but my tummy starts to tingle.
I open the gently folded page and look to the top to see what the letter could possibly regard. The first lines bring a smile to my lips. “How many kisses do you want per day…” Secret wishes and dreams flutter across my mind like a summer shower. Every sensation triggers ripples and waves of emotion. Warmth begins to spread form the tips of my fingers as they grip the page, to my very core. I sit and enjoy the escape for a few moments longer. Transported to a different time, a different place, a different me.
The buzzing of my cell phone reminds me I am late for my meeting and my e-mails continue to pop up on the laptop teetering on the bed. Life is so full, yet so empty. The page begins to pulse anew, this time revitalizing me and spurring me into action. I tuck the page into the folds of my skirt. Just touching it hidden there so close to my skin, makes me feel a little stronger. I know what lies at my feet…mine to take if I chose. “Not yet…” I whisper to myself. I have things to do, things only I can take care of…but soon.
Grabbing my coach, shoes and keys I head for the door. My sunglasses hide my damp lashes as I grab the grey cardigan. Happily ever after is waiting and I can’t disappoint. I grab my diet coke and lock the door.

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  • Gfrancis65

    Right out of High School I began work as a counselor at a summer camp for handicapped children on the Ohio River. It was the happiest 5 summers of my life. The first season I discovered a pond on the property that hadn't been used for years. I had to cut my way through a thicket to get to the water's edge so I could throw out a line. I spent the next half hour pulling in, left and right, the largest bluegill I had ever seen! The following summer I went down to camp 2 weeks early. I cleaned out the land around the pond so we could use it for our camp outs during the sessions. I also built a deck large enough to line up eight wheelchairs above the water so the kids could fish. We used the pond that season and the remaining three that I worked there. 1983-1987

    Last night I was chatting with a friend from camp with whom I recently reunited on FB. We decided to try to find information on the camp and see if it still existed. It was old and falling apart 23 years ago and we heard that it had closed. I discovered that it was still a camp and still owned by the Indiana Easter Seals Society. I also found a site that had satelite images people could search. I found the small town of 395 people and began to zoom in. There were lots of changes to the camp. A new road had been built and most of the patchy forrest which made up the camp had been eliminated or thinned.

    I found my pond and zoomed in one frame after another until finally I saw my deck. After not seeing it for 23 years there it was just as I had left it. The really cool thing was… A lone figure was standing on the deck and appeared to be fishing. A flood of memories kind of overwhelmed me and I began to cry like a little girl. The past few months have been pretty stressful to me but I always have to put on my strong face and keep going. It was a welcome relief to let myself break down if only for a moment. I love the memories of camp. I think that I will try to find more of the people I worked with and plan a reunion.

    I really liked this story Kim.

    Last night I was chatting

  • http://www.kimberanna.com kimberanna

    Thank you for sharing that amazing memory, I've never been to your camp but feel as though I have somehow shared your memory of it. I really appreciate your ability to take me back there through your writing. I know you have had a difficult life but I believe that it has helped mold you into the delightful person you are today. Only someone who has experienced so much pain can paint such vivid pictures such as these.
    I use writing as therapy. Sometimes in life we don't really know how to handle difficult times and can't communicate well with or trust those closest to us. Writing has always been my way to give life to my feelings without the emotional strain of feeling judged by another. Kind of a “no strings attached” best friend I can turn to that never talks back, lol.

    I love your writing style and look forward to hearing from you often. If you have anything you would like to share please let me know and I would be more than happy to make you a featured writer here on my little blog of life;) Now that you are an avid reader & dear friend you are in fact now a part of Kimberanna.com ;)

    Until we talk again…Live, Love Laugh and leave a Legacy.

    Kimber

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