Layers of Memories

The steel slats on this swing are layered with many colors of paint.  Though I have not been able to discover exactly when this swing was first placed on the family farm, I know it was in place by the mid 1950’s.  I have always known it as “Granny’s swing”.  Her spot was just where you see her in the two photos below.  And as many layers of paint this swing has, it holds many, many more layers of memories!  

The only color I remember from my shared years with Granny is the dark green seen in these two photos.  At one time it was touched up and repainted a slightly different shade of green.  The yellow beneath it was there before I was old enough to remember the swing.  The blue and red were much, much later. No matter the color, it is the memories that mean the most.  

When I was in elementary school, many days my sisters and I crowded into the seat while my older cousins stood on the “arms” and swung us high! Memories of swinging with my sisters and cousins are sweet, but it’s the memories of discussions with my Granny that mean the most.  

You see the serious expression in this photo of her alone on the swing? That look to me shows me a Jesus follower that is considering many things in her mind. I have learned as I age that sharing heartfelt concerns with her was as safe as sharing them with Jesus. If you told my Granny something you didn’t want anyone else to know, she never, ever shared the story. This expression shows me a woman deep in thought – and most likely praying – about the many things that are on her heart and mind. And I feel certain many of those heartfelt stories were shared sitting there side by side in that swing.

I can recall several serious conversations with her once I was “grown up” about family matters.  Sitting and swinging together sure made it easier to pour out my heart when I needed to.  Her responses showed me just how much she had thought about the same situation as she shared her suggestions, comments, and kind words in a way I will never forget.  As I aged and matured, she even began to share some of her own heartfelt concerns with me and I treasure those moments when she asked for my opinion and thoughts.  

The second photo shows her laughing with my two oldest children . This photo was taken the same day as the previous one. The contrast of her serious, thoughtful look, and her look of pure joy and laughter with two of her great-grandchildren represent two of the many layers of her personality. I miss both of these sides of her so much! I am so thankful for the many hours spent in that swing with her. Below are a few other favorite photos of the swing.

The swing is now in my backyard until my son has a home of his own. It is the one item from his “birthday buddy” he asked to keep. I look forward to talks in the swing with my children and grandchildren. And I hope I can be a faithful listener just as my Granny was. What a great example she has become to me on being a faithful friend and follower of Jesus!

“Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Deuteronomy 6:5-7