Today, we unearthed some boxes that had been shipped to us from my Grandparent's home in PA; the magic-markered date on the dusty cardboard is 1987. All manner of memories are contained inside... definitely the closest I've come to opening a time capsule! Old pictures, heirloom china, and other special items wrapped in tissue and old newspaper, were important enough to pack, sentimental enough to share with the next generation.
The item that made me shiver was perhaps the oddest thing of all: the side porch windchimes. Heavy 30" metallic tubes, with a diamond-cut center piece, all tied together with fishing line. Not ornate or decorative, but oh, what beautiful music they make as they dance in the wind!
These chimes ring in my head as I recall sitting on my Grandparents' porch at tea time, which was served promptly every day at 4:30. My Grandpa would sit in his corner chaise, while Grandma bustled about, offering beverages and pretzels to anyone who stopped by to visit. I loved how the household's activities came to a halt during this time, so we could all gather together, to share our day, and watch the neighborhood activities flow by on the street below us. The chimes provided a comforting backdrop of melody to our time together, just as they do all these years later.
I think about how those chimes must have given a soothing serenade to my Grandparents over their 50+ years in that old Victorian house. How they must welcomed visitors to their door over the years, how they must have sung my Grandmother to sleep after Grandpa passed away.
Now, 20 years later, these simple metal chimes now hang on my Mom's side porch, welcoming each new day, with achingly enchanted music. What a gift! And what a special way to remember sweet childhood times shared with my grandparents, so many summers ago.
Be well.
