I love the images that cross my path while walking the city streets. Yesterday was extra special as it prompted some nostalgic moments.
Seeing this little guy climb the snow piles, while mom held his hand, instantly transported me back to an evening with my Grandmother way, way back in the day.
I can still see the twilight blue of the sky and feel the chill on my rosy cheeks. But what I remember most was the safety and love that was transferred to me through her hand. It gave me the courage to climb that HUGE snow pile, which in looking at this little boy yesterday, I realized that the pile was probably no more than 2 feet high. It made me smile, first to myself, and then I shared the smile with them; which was reciprocated very warmly. Love these random interactions on the streets of NYC.
This moment prompted a fleet of visiting thoughts....how Gramps used to take us sledding every winter, and how we’d scream in delight as we barreled down the hills of Forest Park, Queens; and how he took me ice skating on the weekends..just me and him. He’d skate with me for a while and then leave me on the side to do some speed skating. I remember feeling so proud of how fast and elegantly he skated. And the time we had an ice storm and the city shut down. Icicles graced the trees and rooftops. Our family broke out the ice skates and brought our skills to the middle of the street. (no cars that day!) My Dad didn’t have skates, but expertly spun in the street. A neighbor who sat watching from her window thought my Dad was an expert..until he came out from behind the parked car and she saw his skateless feet. She proceeded to give him the finger....Pow Pow...in a friendly way, as only a Queens housewife could. We laughed and laughed.
Memories of helping Dad shovel the walk and driveway. Guess that’s why I love it...yes I love to shovel - crazy me! Afterwards we’d put our wet clothes on the radiator in the hall and rush upstairs to Mom’s hot chocolate with extra marshmallows.
I have so many memories like this. I guess that’s why I love winter so. Each snowflake that falls awakens the child in me and transports me back to those times when we knew how to play and frolic - even the adults! They are all gone now, my parents and grandparents, but I get to revisit them in my mind’s eye as I frolic in the snow, create my own new memories and fa la la la la...
As I headed home last night I caught this out of the corner of my eye. It made me proud of my city....how we go about our lives....nothing stopping us...not even the umpteenth snowstorm of the season....I see the beauty in each one. I celebrate the tenacity of my fellow NY-ers. I share this with you in the hope that it makes you smile and feel resilient.
Big Love,
PatriciaG
If you feel inspired to share your memories, please do so in the comments section below. I would love to hear from you. Grazie!
All of my photos are available for sale on my Etsy shop.
Copyright 2015 Patricia Geremia