Stolen Memories...

I was actually looking for a picture of Julian when he got his first guitar. (I want to do a scrapbook layout about him still wanting to be a Rock Star... )I had narrowed the time frame to Christmas 2004 because I remembered them being in Texas and him getting a guitar for Christmas, and since they moved to Oregon in 2005 - I knew right where to look. Funny how I can remember what pictures are in what years (well, most of the time). Anyway back to my point... I grabbed one of the three albums for 2004 and started flipping through it - I knew immediately that it wasn't the right one because I was looking for the last album which had the Christmas photos. But as I was flipping through, I found a layout titled, "Stolen Memories." It's about seeing my grandsons Eric and Garrett at my niece's wedding in April 2004. Here's the journaling ...

"It's the first wedding I've attended since my own marriage ended, but it's my niece's wedding so I have to go...I was a little nervous, or maybe apprehensive is a better word, about going...they are getting married on a yacht, and being stuck on a boat with everyone - and no way to get away was an uncomfortable feeling, but what can I do? I was especially nervous knowing I would be seeing Rick and Christy. The first time since last September. Would they bring Eric and Garrett?...would they speak to me?... or just ignore me?... I guess we'll find out. I drove down with Mom and Dad and we pulled into the parking lot at the same time as Rick and Christy - so here goes. When they saw me, they said, "Hi,"... I said, "Hi," and then I took a chance and walked over to speak to the boys who were already in the stroller by the time I walked the short distance. Eric, at 5, remembers who I am and was happy to see me. But even Garrett, who will be two next month, recognized me and gave me a big smile. Rick and Christy quickly started walking toward the dock and there was no way we could really keep up, but both Eric and Garrett kept turning around in the stroller trying to get another glimpse of Ma-Deiga. As hard as it was to endure, it made my heart sing to know that they were as happy to see me as I was to see them! After the initial hello, Rick and Christy pretty much ignored me the rest of the afternoon. While waiting to board the yacht, I did ask Rick if I could take Eric and Garrett's picture. He said, yes - but they had to stay in the stroller. Christy just rolled her eyes and walked away I guess - since she's not in the background. (Oh, yea, being on a boat with them will be fun!) I talked to the boys for awhile and then not wanting to make it any more uncomfortable, I talked to other guests as they arrived. After the ceremony, while we were waiting for the wedding party to finish taking pictures, and before eating lunch, mom and I sneak a few photos of them blowing bubbles. Eric would peek around Rick, blow bubbles, and at one point said, "I was waiting to blow bubbles until you took my picture, Ma-Deiga." I wanted to tell him sh-h-h, don't let mommy and daddy know you are talking to me they might move you away, but I couldn't do that...I wanted to hold them, give them hugs and kisses - but I couldn't do that either...it's such a sad situation on a happy day. But at least I got to see them, and talk to them a little and secretly take a few photos...stolen memories. (aren't they adorable?)"

I didn't consciously remember that story -until I saw it on the scrapbook page. And, isn't that why we (I) scrapbook? To remember the days - good or bad, and moments which make up our lives. (And who knows, maybe one day Eric and Garrett will look me up and come see me and I can show them this scrapbook page and they will know that I tried whenever I could to be with them.)