Old Timers (or so they say)

My Mom emailed this picture to me several weeks ago. I was moved to tears just looking at it. Most of you don't know anyone in this picture, but some of you see them regularly. It has been at least 6 years since I have seen any of these people and that was at a big reunion so I doubt I talked to most of them.


For those of you that don't know these people they all live in RL and all (exepte for one couple) lived there when I lived there. These are people that all impacted my life in one way or another. Some I only know by name and face, but I have memories of stories that I link them to. Other's were parents of friends and Sunday School teachers. All of them represent a much simpler time in my life. A time I sometimes almost hurt with longing for, but yet never want to return to. Looking at these faces I realize that as I knew them they were neighbors and church friends, people in my world. As an adult looking at this picture I see people that have experienced adventure, loss, joy, many unknowns, dreams, frustration, a call. I was struck by the knowledge that even though I haven't lived around any of these folks in 20 years (this June!!) that they each are still apart of my memories. I wonder what kind of impact and memories I'm leaving on the children around me?


A few memories that come to mind when I look at this picture:


-A&N L: Handicraft, I loved that place. The smell of leather, candy and Gospel Echoes tapes all in one place! I also have very found memories of a book that A used to read during the children's time at church. It was called Bird Life in Winkton. I found that book in Rosedale's library and had a great time reading it. N was such a wonderful hostess and she took time to talk to me and notice me often even after we left RL.


I&R R: Remember playing Kick the Can and I'm in the Court, Give me a Wave with their sons up at the old shop on "the hill". It was nighttime and I was scared out of my wits, but so thrilled to be included.


W:(can't remember wife's name or last name name:( ): radio


N&M G: Thier place was a great place to play at. How many places could a 10 year old go and have their own car (?!) to drive. Also remember doing ceramic projects at their house. Oh yeah, and hobby! I remember learning to singing hymns there that I still love.


DS: Beautiful lady. Norman also left a big impression on me as a little girl. I remember him as a very kind man.


H&M H: More "hill" stories. While I was at RBI (years ago when I was single) God did a work in my heart during one of our revival weekends. Amazingly, the people God wanted me to forgive and H were there for the weekend. No one else at RBI would have known any of what I was working through. I still feel that God had H there to help bring healing to me. I remember praying with him and not even needing to give details. I will never see his face or hear his name without feeling grateful for a kind, recognizable face that I believe God had at the right place at the right time, just for me.


I didn't even touch on half of my memories that include everything from tree planting to the old green school and many more. A lot of my memories are fuzzy. I guess I'm getting old. :)


Thank you to all that have allowed me to watch you, even when you didn't know it. Thank you for teaching me much about life and God. I hope I can leave as good of an impression on those watching me.