The Warmth
"Remember why you are here and why you're alive. Experience the warmth before you grow old." -- Incubus
The unusual Oregon springtime can be cool in the morning, gorgeous midday, balmy in the late afternoon, and then back to cool as the sun sets. And to think I thought the weather in the desert was odd.
With these changes I find myself snuggling in blankets or putting on an extra layer of clothing as I settle in for the night. What I noticed this week is that when I do this, the warmth that engulfs me is not merely a piece of fabric but rather memories and love. Let me explain.
When I moved to Oregon, I left with only the things that I could put in my car. I had to make a lot of decisions about what was going to make it into the precious cargo space that was taking me several states further West. I left my queen sized bed behind and the fancy form fitting mattress top but it was never an option to leave behind the large tan and maroon blanket that my Grandma Canales had given me so many years ago. Not only is it the SOFTEST and warmest blanket I've ever owned but it has a rose design on it and is always reminds me of my Grams' daughter, my mom, whose middle name was Rosa. That blanket rests on my bed and keeps me toasty every night. It now has another small afghan on top of it that was recently gifted to me by my Aunt Deedle. The gift of warmth is one of love.
Another must take in my move was another childhood blanket given to me by Great-Grandma Melchor. She put love in the pink quilt she made for me when I was just a little one running around in pig tails and I still smile at the embroidered kittens that grace the front of it. It now has a special place on my TV chair and keeps me warm as I watch my favorite prime time and movies. It was recently joined by a small blanket that now rests on the back of that same chair; a blanket that belonged to the best girlfriend I ever had -- Charlotte, Her Royal Houndess. That blanket arrived this week with my kitties and was the first thing I saw as they were unloaded from the plan. There Charlotte was, watching over them the entire trip.
The warmth also lives within a blue zip-up hoodie that reads "#1 Grandpa" on the back and "Chon" on the front. This was a sweatshirt that I had given to my Gramps Delgado when I was a little girl. After he passed away in 1998, I kept it and through the years I wear it when I'm missing my family and want to feel like he is giving me the bigs hugs that he was so good at giving out. Then there is a grey university of Wisconsin sweatshirt that belonged to Charlotte's first mom, and my Kanab "mom", Amber. After she passed away in 2004, I kept it just as I did with Gramps'. That sweatshirt reminds me of her smile, her laughter, and hot Dr. Pepper with Lemon, just like my own mom used to make.
I take a lot of things for granted in my life that I shouldn't, but my family -- the warmth -- is something I never will. These are the people that make me remember why I came and why I'm alive.