27 August, 2012

Mirror Image

I saw my grandmother this morning, There she was... in the mirror! I got ready for the day and slipped into a cardigan sweater... my favorite white, lightweight, cable knit; I gazed back at my own reflection, that's when I saw her. Among my most vivid memories of her was the fact she always wore a white, cable knit cardigan, regardless of the season. She carried it with her through the dog days of August, just in case there would be air-conditioning wherever she was going, she didn't like cold air blowing on her. I remember shaking my head and seriously wondering about her ability to adapt. Years later I recall playing musical chairs in restaurants with my mother-in-law for precisely the same reason; and, having a similar reaction. I'm not exactly sure when I became them, but, I have. I heard myself telling my husband this summer that if I lived alone I probably wouldn't use air conditioning, but would prefer to open the windows all summer long and acclimate myself to the outside temperature. I actually said that... out loud; and could scarcely believe it myself. Yes, I saw my grandmother this morning in the mirror, she was wearing my white, cable knit, cardigan... she'd even left a crumpled up tissue for me in the pocket. I smiled.
Life is Good!

15 comments:

Helen said...

Ohmygoodness!!

You know, for years and years, I was HOT. HOT, HOT, HOT!

Now, like you...I wear long sleeves more, I take a wrap whenever I go to a restaurant. I, too, don't like the cold air blowing on me.

My daughter (grown) tells me, in a silly tone, "Mom, you're old!".

straythreads said...

That is too funny and so true. I've gone a whole week without a hot flash
Ann

*karendianne. said...

How wonderful to have her here!

Janet said...

I think we can all relate to this story - if we haven't already - we soon will!!

Pat said...

Lovely post. Nice memory!

leigh anna said...

you know you can turn our air up any time you are here. you know we like it cold! and just so you know, i long for the days that i need to bring layers to places! :)

Marie said...

The family memory is so strong in us all and I am so happy you have yours as I have mine too. Hugs, Marie

StitchinByTheLake said...

How strange...I keep seeing my grandmother in the mirror too! blessings, marlene

AnnieO said...

Great post! I guess I've always been like your grandmother--I can't stand to have air conditioning blowing on me and feel sick when going in and out of a too cold place into the heat and stickiness of the outdoors. The crumpled tissue? That's my mom's :)

Janet O. said...

Very cute. : )

lindsey said...

So funny....I know just what you mean!

MARCIE said...

Love it! You are so funny, and it is so true. I look at my darling 16 yr old granddaughter and think, "some day little girl you will be me, just like I used to be you"! You better love every step of life if you want to be happy!

Nane said...

So very true

cityquilter grace said...

realizations like this bring home just how brief this life really is...

Linda in NC said...

I had to laugh: white cabled cardigan, crumpled tissue in the pocket. That was my grandma, too. And my mom. I suppose that means I'll be next?!