Because of life’s circumstances, I have only a few happy memories of my childhood that I think of often. I am thankful for them and cherish them.

A few trips out of state to visit grandparents. Helping my granny in the garden. Making ice cream under a large shade tree. Family members taking turns sitting on the churn and turning the handle. That ice cream was delicious. Swinging in the porch swing with my granddad.

Giving someone a home permanent when I was 12 or 13. Going to church with them every week.

Riding with a family member that was learning to drive and praying we could make it across a very narrow bridge. We prayed and we made it across safely.

Spending a part of a summer with an aunt and uncle. While there I had my first cup of coffee. I was maybe 13. They let me do pretty much anything I wanted to. I was just happy being with them.

Learning to bake biscuits, riding on and steering a tractor, looking in the woods at night for raccoons. It was fun to see their eyes shine when light hit them.

One person I was never apart from I have way too many amazing memories of to put here. I am ever so grateful that the two of us were together until we left home to be on our own.