A trip down memory lane

 I grew up in the same house my whole young life. We didn't move out of it until I was 21 yo! Well, me and the hubs decided this weekend to go back to our old stomping grounds and drive through our neighborhoods we grew up in.  It was crazy! Everything changed. Let me take you on my trip......

First, just driving down the main road before you get to my street my house was on, it has been widened and now has sidewalks!! What is happening?!!  We had to walk to the store to get moms smokes on that busy 2 lane road and walk through peoples yards. Now there is sidewalks, which would have been nice to have, and the convenience store is gone. I guess that is to be expected since it has been 37 yrs since I have lived there. 

Second, my old house is so small! I remember it being a little bigger. But it looks so small now. Wonder how 5 of us all lived there. (my cousin lived with us for a few years before we moved). The trees in the front yard are gone. I remember having to park my car in the yard  between the 2 trees because we had too many cars! 3 teenagers in one house. Not sure how my parents managed us! My room in the window in the middle. That was a great house. 

Third, what is going on!! This ditch was wayyyyyy bigger and steeper than what it is now. I am telling you, that ditch was a HILL! And we would walk down that ditch to the back to big creek. You can't see it from the trees that have grown over. It's a wonder we didn't get bit by snakes or snapping turtles!  Yes, they were there, but they must have stayed away from us kids. Me and my brother would look for crawdads when we were younger and mom would get mad at us for going down in the creek. "It's too dangerous" she would say. That creek held a lot of secrets too. Like when I tried smoking! I don't recommend it. It's nasty.

It is crazy how memories can just flood back that you haven't thought about in a long time. So many amazing memories of me, my family and friends in that neighborhood. Even one of my friends was saying she kissed a boy in that ditch! haha. Memories of me and my best friend sneaking out of the house and walking the street at night, just to have that freedom that we did it! As little kids, running up and down the street to each others house. My best friend just lived 4 houses down from me. We knew everyone on that street. And they knew us, so we couldn't get away with anything. I can go on, but don't want to bore you. 

Some don't have as many good memories as I do. My hubs is one of them. But as we drove past the homes he lived in, there were some not so good memories, but we concentrated on those good ones. It was great to talk about his grandma and the memories of being in her house. I was blessed to know both of his grandmothers and they were great ladies. I even have some of my own memories in those houses of theirs. 

So take the time to remember those good times. Those memories is what molded you into the person you are today. Even those not so good memories taught you lessons in life and helps you with the decisions you make today. 

Deuteronomy 32:7; Remember the days of old; consider the generations long past. Ask your father and he will tell you, your elders, and they will explain to you."

Jeremiah 29:11; "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Love to all,