You Never Know What You Might Find

When an unexpected gift pops up

I was in my local thrift store a few days ago, when I happened to stumble upon an old copy of some Bing Crosby recordings, including some holiday songs he did with the Andrews Sisters. I got very excited to see those old Decca record labels again because my grandparents used to have quite a collection of these old gems in their beautiful polished wood stereo cabinet.

This morning I finally got around to firing up my portable Victrola and was delighted to find that the records still play very well! Hearing music in that particular manner with the static and pops is a nostalgic experience that fills my heart with a longing for home. My granny’s house in East Texas was the scene for many holiday gatherings with family and loved ones that are just distant echoes in my memories now.

It would be a fairly simple matter to show up at that old house on Conroe Street, my aunt still lives there and would welcome me with open arms. I’d be thrilled to see her too, but I know I’d be looking over her shoulder down the hall towards my granny’s room, and I’d be trying to catch a glimpse of her ghost. Or possibly see my Aunt Pat, headed into the kitchen to make some fried chicken livers, or even my Uncle Danny in the living room, with the television turned up to blasting levels, beckoning me to come watch some classic movie with him. I could even look to see if my PawPaw was at the kitchen table, finishing a meal and loading his pipe with tobacco (I can pull that scent up in my memory at will). Yes, I could take a trip back home to Texas if I wanted to, and I would be happy to see who’s still there. I’ll always be looking for the ones who aren’t though.