Reminiscing:: Narvon, PA

Some of my most fond memories of childhood are our trips to Lancaster, PA area. My grandparents lived in Narvon, PA - completely surrounded by farmland. The 'A' in the middle of the image below is the street they lived on.

(screenshot from Google Maps of the street my grandparents lived on)

The back of their house butted up against a field. I can remember so many times when my cousins, siblings, and I would play outside, collecting crabapples in the oddly shaped wheelbarrow my grandpa had. I vividly remember picking up past-their-prime corn, and plucking the hardened cornels off to leave for the deer that might come by.

We also often played in my grandparents basement. It was always warm down there, as the woodstove was kept there. My grandpa collected clocks, so one entire room was dedicated to all his clocks. Many cookoo clocks were kept there, and he constantly was tending to them - winding them and making sure they were all running properly. But the basement had this white cabinet, and the kids' toys were all kept inside. There were pick-up sticks, a truck with a wagon, farm animals, and the like. Each toy is imprinted into my mind.

We also enjoyed many meals around the table. My grandparents table could (at its smallest) fit 6 people. With leaves inserted, it could fit upwards of 15. My grandparents were both great cooks; I often remember walking in and smelling something cooking. If it weren't a meat being prepared, it was chicken corn soup, a homemade pie, or a medley of spices for some dish they were whipping up. They always had snacks too - ice cream wedges in the freezer, those sugar wafers (white, chocolate, and strawberry) with the cream inside, or glazed cookies in a cookie jar!

And we often had sleepovers too. I can remember going in each room, thinking it was such a big house. The 'office' had a rolltop desk, where I got my love for desks of that kind. One Christmas I got my very own rolltop desk, and still to this day, it's in my parents basement. The bed in the room I often slept in had a shelf above the headboard. It had pegs on it, and I know this is where they say my pacifiers were kept. I used a pacifier all the time. It also was the 'home' for my little red baseball cap that I wore all the time.

The living room was a bit formal. I don't remember sitting in it too often, as we always went downstairs for playing. But there was always so much warmth in the house. We knew when we went that we'd be fed well, entertained well, and loved on well. There are times I wish I could go back to that house - smell those familiar smells, play with the toys, hear all those clocks ticking, and enjoy childhood all over again. But I am thankful for so many wonderful memories that were made in their home. And I'm thankful for wonderful grandparents who raised my dad and his brothers with a love that is rare these days. Their marriage of nearly 70 years speaks volumes of the kind of people they were. 

Family truly is one of God's greatest blessings.

Sisters:: Lancaster, PA

Two months ago, my grandpa passed away. Just two short months later my grandma followed. They were married for 69 years. She wanted to be with her husband, and her Jesus. While we are joyful they have met their Maker, of course we grieved, especially since their passing occurred within months of each other.

When we had my grandpa's funeral in January, my grandma's two sisters - who also live at the home where they were - came to the viewing. Anna Mae is 96 and Mary is 94. My grandma was 92 and my grandpa 90. Anna Mae and Mary like to share that I am named for their mother Sarah. Neither Anna Mae nor Mary ever married, and for years upon arriving at Landis Homes, they shared a cottage together. Because of their various health needs, they no longer share space, but live in different parts of the home.

When they came to my grandma's viewing, they shared with me some of their story. They talked about their world travels when they were younger, about their family and where they grew up (in total, there were nine children, four of whom are still living). Their recollection of moments in time is tack sharp. They remember people's birthdays and where they were in a given year of history. What a rarity to be 94 and 96, still walking and with a mental capacity such as they; they are true sweethearts! And what fun to live life with your sister by your side for so many years.

They were able to go to the graveside service for grandma, and while seated, Mary grabbed onto my hands, wrapping them around her neck. What a sweet reminder of the fragility of life, and the blessing that these women are. I don't know either of them very well. I remember them from family reunions and some visits while seeing grandma and grandpa at the home, but they have a very special place in my heart. I remember attending their mother's funeral (I must have been no older than five) and they gave me a pink stuffed animal.

It was so wonderful getting to see Anna Mae and Mary. I asked them if I could take their pictures. I love their simplicity. I love their cute grins and their kisses. I love looking at their aged hands and for the memories that they have stored within their heads.

Anna Mae

Mary

sisters

Burkholder:: Lancaster County, PA family session

I love when friends and family of my clients contact me to do sessions. Jacqueline and I talked on the phone back in November, and she inquired about getting a gift certificate for her in-laws for the holidays. Since Jacqueline and her husband Matt live in Indiana, they mentioned we'd likely do the session in the spring, but we set no timeframe. When Jacqueline wrote and said they'd be in town in March, it happened to coincide perfectly with my cousin's wedding. We planned the session for hours before the wedding, and picked a historic location in Lancaster County - Pool Forge.

But the day before the session, we realized the weather was looking quite terrible. It was going to be cold and rainy/sleety. Thankfully we were able to push the session to the following day, and while it was chilly, it was a gorgeous, sunny Sunday!

It was wonderful to meet the Burkholders. They braved the cold and had an ease about them that made me feel as though I had known them for years. Thanks to all of you for allowing me to spend some time with you.

To see more photos, head here.