Memories and Lip Gloss

Someone was knocking at the door. The baby was trying to dial a foreign country on the telephone. The dog was chewing on my already abused shoes. The dishwasher sounded like it was about to implode, and I felt like my brain was going to do the same thing. I tried imagining what that would look like...

Stop.

Breathe.

How did I get here? Just yesterday I was daydreaming about my future, lying in a grass field and watching the geese fly south. I had no worries other than my next math test and whether my boyfriend would like the taste of my new lip gloss. I even remember softly chuckling to myself because my parents wished I'd worry more about math, and less about kissing.

Was that yesterday? I suppose not. Was that even my life and my memories? I suppose so. Am I the same person I was then? Yes, but no. Where is the line that connects that point in my life to the present one?

I'm forgetting to live in the moment. I used to be so good at that.

I'll answer that door. My grandma is behind it, and I'll treasure the simple yet beautiful memories we get to make before her time here is done.

I'll let the baby dial China if she pleases. Hearing her high-pitched babble warms my heart and I'll have a giggle over the confused person on the other end of the line.

I'll buy the dog a chew toy and myself a new pair of shoes. We both deserve something nice now and then.

I'll hand-wash my dishes today, while grandma eats a piece of pie and talks to me about the good ol' days. Then I'll tease my husband about his plumber's butt as he tries to fix the dishwasher again.

Yes, that girl who daydreamed in the field had it right. It's the memories of sweet first love, funny babies, and hearty laughs that I'll always treasure. Math tests, bills, and broken appliances will be far from my thoughts when I mentally rummage though the tidbits of life I've collected.

I hope my husband likes the taste of my new lip gloss.