Wanting Memories

My mother went down to her parents house on Saturday to get Family Albums- My mother is very good with I-movies and has made several of them for various occasions.
The one she is planning on making now is for Diana's memorial- which she wants to be a celebration not a mourning. So when the time comes we'll celebrate with a montage of song and photographs of DP and how she has affected our lives.

Looking through those albums fills me with something good. It makes me want to grab someone by the hand, show them the pictures and say "look! look, it's my family! They're so AWESOME!" then promptly shake them and say, "no, you still don't get it! They're awesome!"
I could go through every photo and fondly recall what happened that day. The CFV albums are the greatest- it's the best week of my summer, every summer.
Very few people in my life have ventured into my giant family, but I think that after they do, they understand me a lot better.

I was reminded of a song the other day, written by Y.M. Barnwell. It speaks truth about change, life and family. It's called "Wanting Memories" and it's beautiful:

And Here's A Recording

I am sitting here wanting memories to teach me
to see the beauty in the world through my own eyes.

You said you'd rock me in the cradle of your arms.
You said you'd hold me ‘til the storms of life were gone.
You said you'd comfort me in times like these and now I need you.
Now I need you...
And you are -
gone.

So, I am sitting here wanting memories to teach me
to see the beauty in the world through my own eyes.
Since you've gone and left me, there's been so little beauty,
but I know I saw it clearly through your eyes.

Now the world outside is such a cold and bitter place.
Here inside I have few things that will console.
And when I try to hear your voice above the storms of life,
then i remember all the things that I was told.

I think on the things that made me feel so wonderful when I was young.
I think on the things that made me laugh , made me dance, made me sing.
I think on the things that made me grow into a being full of pride.
I think on these things, for they are true.

I am sitting here wanting memories to teach me
to see the beauty in the world through my own eyes.
I thought that you were gone, but now I know you're with me.
You are the voice that whispers all I need to hear.

I know a "Please", a "Thank you", and a smile will take me far.
I know that I am you and you are me, and we are one.
I know that who I am is numbered in each grain of sand.
I know that I am blessed,
again, and again, and again, and again,
and, again.

I am sitting here wanting memories to teach me
to see the beauty in the world through my own eyes.
I am sitting here wanting memories to teach me
To see the beauty in the world through my own eyes.

Love and Peace,

Lauren