Memories are such a good thing to have. They have special hiding places, or "pockets" (as we call them) in our hearts and we can pull them out whenever we need them.

I remember riding a tricycle, and having one of my brothers on the back of it, pushing me so that I could go FAST. It felt like I was flying.

I remember my very first, non hand-me-down bike. It was pink and had a banana seat. It was named Pink Panther. It was a Huffy.

I remember the wagon rides with my brothers, who made us go so fast I just knew I was going to crash. At the same time, I always felt safe, because they would take care of me and not let me get hurt.

I remember Samm Starr. How could I forget Samm? I was Samm, "Secret Agent Movie Starr." Notice the spelling? I was imaginative even then. I had sunglasses, and a squirt gun. I was out to get the bad guys, who were my brothers. They always got soaked by the time I was through.

I remember my first dance in Junior High. My mom made me this pretty blue/white long dress. I got to wear panty hose AND high heels for the very first time ever. Oh, and let's not forget the lip gloss. I felt so grown up!

I remember my very first pair of boots. Black patent leather, just below the knee, and oh, so very, very soft.

I remember Samson, our dog we had when I was growing up. He didn't bark, until I taught him how to "speak." I don't think Mom has ever forgiven me for that.

I remember graduating high school. My mom let me invite my closest friends for a party (about a week before the actual graduation). She made little graduation caps and diplomas all out of construction paper. We grilled hamburgers. We had a slumber party. We laughed and played truth or dare.

I remember Sandy, my best friend in high school. As things go, we lost track of each other after graduation. It happens. Two years later I heard that she had committed suicide. That was rough because I wrestled with a guilty conscience for a long time after that. I should have kept in touch. Now I just remember the good times that we had and how thankful I was to have her in my life. I still miss her. But that's ok.

I remember playing Badminton all through high school. I remember being good at it. I remember the MVP trophies and the rush it brought me when my name was announced. I remember all of my team mates. We had such a good time.

I remember learning how to drive a stick shift for the very first time. My brother taught me. He was so very patient. We went to a local community college parking lot and he made me get in and out of first gear, over and over again until I could do it with my eyes closed. He told me if I could accomplish this, the rest of it was a piece of cake. And he was so very right.

I remember getting married. It was the hottest day of the year, a fluke, as it was in May. The air conditioning in the church was on the blink, as well as in the limo, and for a while it was even out at the place we held our reception. The organist didn't show up until most of the ceremony was over, and my piano teacher jumped in and covered for him, without so much as a blink of the eye. Despite all of that, it was the most wonderful day of my life, if you don't count the births of my children.

I remember when Chickie was born. Everybody had gone home to rest and I had her in the room with me. She was lying on my chest and I looked at her in awe, and was trying to figure out how something that big, could have been inside of me earlier that morning. I don't think I slept a wink all night.

I remember when Meelie was born. It happened rather fast. The labor and delivery was over in just six hours. My mom and my dad were able to be with me this time as the labor was induced. My husband was the greatest, but it was even better to have my mom there. She rubbed my feet and my legs. She rubbed my head. She whispered words of encouragement. I can't tell you how helpful that was because I don't have the words. My dad was with us from the start. When it was time for me to "push" Mom put her hand on my shoulder and asked me if he could stay. I can't explain it, this communication that went through us. I immediately said yes and to this day I am so very, very glad I did. After she was born, I remember looking at my dad who had tears in his eyes, because he had witnessed his granddaughter’s birth. That felt really good, you know?

I am so thankful that I have so many people in my life who love me. Perhaps at this point in time, they don't understand what's going on. And that's ok, I don't either.

How can I fail when I am married to a man who left a comment like this:

I'm still here, Sweetheart. And I ain't goin' away anytime soon... .

...in response to this.

It just doesn't get any better. I'm holding on to that.

Now, it's your turn. What are some good memories that you have? I would love to hear about them.