a tale of tails, tenacity, and tedium, as told by me, usually barefoot and bellowing

Thursday, January 12, 2017

Molly's Buckle


We lived in the valley where I live now.  Dad and Mom decided we needed to be closer to the highway to catch the school bus otherwise we would be walking over a mile in all kinds of weather one way to catch the bus. They purchased a small house from a couple that had belonged to their daughter who had moved away.

In those ancient days it was proper respect to call elders you didn't know by Mister, Missus or Miss and elder friends were addressed by Aunt and Uncle.

That placed us close to neighbors, Joe and Emma Rose, in their grandparent years with their children grown and gone. I adopted them, or they me, I'm not really sure which was true. They quickly became Aunt Emma and Uncle Joe.  I was there when ever I could obtain permission.

They had a Catalpa tree that reached the sky.  I could climb to the top and sway in the breeze with no admonition. It was heavenly!

Aunt Emma's kitchen always had great smells and Uncle Joe's barn always had surprises to discover.

AND they had a horse. She was almost a true black with the longest mane I'd ever seen.  Her tail touched the ground.  In the middle of her forehead was one bright white star.  Molly would present her head to be scratched and hugged no matter how small you were.

Molly could pull a plow and turned our garden many times.  I was able to ride her, too.  In fact Molly would willingly walk with five children on board at a time.  I learned Molly had been a show horse with many ribbons and trophies ridden by Aunt Emma and Uncle's Joe's daughter. Molly was twenty-three when I met her.

In the barn Uncle Joe and I found part of Molly's old show halter with the buckle still attached.  He removed the buckle and handed it  to me.  He said I could think of Molly every time I held it.

Life changes.  Aunt Emma and Uncle Joe moved closer to their son.  Molly went with them.

I still have Molly's buckle. 
Oh, the memories I have when I hold the buckle in my hand.
Thank you, Aunt Emma and Uncle Joe.
Thank you, Molly.

26 comments:

Gorges Smythe said...

Memories are our most precious possessions.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

And it represents more than a memory of Molly.

MadSnapper said...

What a beautiful memory in a beautiful story and I know how much you love horses. I like that talk a lot and I know when you hold it it takes you back in time to happy memories

Martha said...

What a beautiful post. These are lovely memories. And it was the same for me when I was growing up. I addressed all the adults as miss, Mrs. or Mr. And the adult friends were 'aunt' or 'uncle'. It's just something we did.

Susan said...

You have just opened a similar wonderful childhood memory for me with this lovely post. Thank you.

only slightly confused said...

I was taught the same lesson in respect...I was quite an age before I found out half my aunts and uncles weren't related to me at all lol. What a lovely memento you have of your time with Molly

Anonymous said...

Oh, Gail, I love this memory. You told it so well that I felt as if I were there. It also took me back to some of my own feel-good memories. Thank you.

Sketching with Dogs said...

Loved reading your story, what a sweet fond memory of Molly.
Lynne x

OmaLindasOldeBaggsandStuftShirts said...

Gail, you touched my heart with this nostalgic story. Such a sweet memory to hold dear. xoxo Linda

Ginny Hartzler said...

This is the sweetest story! Every child NEEDS grandparents, and they made the very best ones! I am supposing they are long gone now, but they remain in your heart forever. And you have the buckle of love. I think when we pass on, the only meaningful thing we leave is what we did for other people.

Arkansas Patti said...

What a beautiful memory and more so that you still have the reminder to hold and let it take you back.

Lowcarb team member said...

So very special Gail, I am so pleased you still have Molly's buckle.

All the best Jan

Katie Mansfield said...

What a treasure. So cute.

Inger said...

What a sweet story. Molly must have been beautiful.

Lynne said...

I love your stories . . .
even more when I catch a glimpse of you,
your life, your loves . . .
and Molly . . .

LindaG said...

Wonderful story and amazing gift.
Blessings to you all, Gail. Merry Christmas.

Far Side of Fifty said...

What a lovely memory to have!! :)

Josie Two Shoes said...

I love little treasures like this with precious memories attached. Such a beautiful story!

LilliStJohn said...

This is such a beautiful story Gail, of Molly and your special memories of her, and still to have this wonderful buckle which triggers all kinds of memories close to your heart. I really enjoyed this post. lol n H to M

gld said...

The buckle is a treasure and the memory is a beautiful thing.

Farm Girl said...

What a lovely story Gail. I love your memories. A wonderful buckle too.

Optimistic Existentialist said...

What a heartwarming story...thank you for sharing this memory with us :)

Elephant's Child said...

Poignant and beautiful. And my eyes are sweating a little.
Thank you.

Debbie said...

such a pretty, heartwarming story - thanks for sharing gail!!

Lee said...

A lovely story, Gail....emotional...wonderful memories...thanks for sharing the warmth. :)

21 Wits said...

Memories are such a treasure in our lives!

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