Layers of Memories

May 1987. My mom and dad had come to Louisiana for my birthday. With them they brought birthday cards from family in New Jersey. My godmother, my Aunt Frenchy, had sent me a birthday card with money, and the instruction to do something for myself with her monetary gift.

Mom, Dad, Melanie and I went into New Orleans and spent the day sightseeing. I decided to use the birthday money from Aunt Frenchy to have a pastel portrait done of Melanie by an artist in Jackson Square.

This is that portrait. I finally took it and had it professionally framed, and it hangs in the Katrina cottage. I am filled with a joyful contentment when I look at this picture. I remember my ten year old Melanie. I remember my mom and dad and all the good times we had when they visited. I remember Aunt Frenchy, and how much fun we had with her when she came to visit, and all the love she showered me with throughout my life.

This picture reminds me of how very blessed I am. Blessed by an amazing family. Blessed by so many wonderful memories that my family helped me create.

Good days and bad days, ever present sadness. It can be overwhelming. But now I can always go into the Katrina cottage, and look at this picture, and immerse myself in memories. Layers and layers of memories. So much happiness, so many blessings. I know there will be more happy memories made in the future. But for now, the happy memories of the past are a priceless treasure. And this picture is tangible evidence of those happy memories.