Our uncluttered stainless steel refrigerator shines to blend with the other stainless steel appliances in our kitchen. The front is bare of photos, but the side holds a link to the past or reminders of the present. In our garage our cluttered refrigerator brings memories of our two son's journeys to adulthood.
When I open the garage fridge I get glimpses of Alex and Michael's childhood milestones. I see my two close girlfriends holding nine month old Alex in their arms at a going away party before we move from Texas to California. Michael was born in a San Diego hospital with a stork on top. I see Alex and Michael's photo of matching sailor outfits on a satin blanket stitched lovingly by my mother's hands and the feeling I felt to know we had such two adorable sons who were God's gift. I see their smiling faces eager to discover the world on a whale watching expedition in San Diego Harbor.
When Alex and Michael were in elementary school we moved back to Texas. I see a frig magnet holding their silhouette of their Cub Scout Uniforms taken at the local Texas Troop. The Houston Space Center is hanging as a reminder their troop spent the night in the museum to learn the history of space and the possibilities for the future. A Christmas Card Photo hangs with Michael and Alex riding in a Gondola in the canal of Venice.
Refrigerator magnets adorn the front reminding me of family vacations and happy times with stories to tell. We took a Jungle Adventure in Florida with a pic of Michael holding a live baby alligator.
When I open the stainless steel refrigerator on the side I see magnets of our recent summer vacation without the boys. We had a great time in England, Scotland and Ireland. I am leaving space for many more trips ahead. i feel blessed to have been apart of our two son's childhood and am excited to know many more memories are around the corner.