Memories of Summers Past

Few things can transport me right back to my childhood.
Summers especially. Growing up, our summers started out with great anticipation as we waited for our guests to arrive. Those guests would include our grandparents, aunts and uncles who would travel from Northern Ireland, England and Wales and spend several weeks with us.

One thing that has an imprint on my memory is the smell of the suitcase when my Nana would unzip her case and flip it open, revealing a stash of the best sweets money can buy. The smell is something I can remember vividly – the fresh Belfast laundry. I must have been obnoxious about my love of their laundry scent because, along with my stash of chocolate, some fabric softener is now smuggled over for me.

My Dad was talking to me awhile back about how difficult it was for he and my Mum to provide my sisters and I with more during the summer months because of the guests we would have each year. I told him that my memories of summer are ones I cherish.
We were only able to spend a few weeks of the year with my grandparents. The time we did spend with them was so special and my memories of that time with them are more profound.

My Uncle and Aunt arrived last week and the smell of the the fresh laundry in the suitcase was the same.
The memories came flooding back. Sitting around that suitcase on the family room floor waiting for Nana to powder her nose (using her green Clinique pressed powder compact), so she could hand out our sweeties.
I remember trips to the beach. Niagara Falls. Ontario Place. The Eaton Centre.
I remember them sitting outside, soaking themselves in the hot sun rays.
I remember a constant circle of adults around our kitchen table drinking tea, laughing their guts out.
I remember having to translate what our guests were saying for my friends who couldn’t get through their broad Belfast accents.
I remember so much.
I hope my kids have as many fond memories of their summer’s as I do.

Do you have any fun childhood memories that stand out?