Small Memories

Here in the South, a large part of our lives are steeped in family traditions. Family traditions surround us and we may not even realize it. Here is an example of one such summer experience.

One of the most well-known and popular southern summer traditions is not a place or an activity. It’s a wonderful food which heralds the arrival of summer. In my opinion, no summer is complete without it! It is the watermelon.

Most southerners have fond memories of eating watermelon during their childhood. I am no different. I can remember playing outside in my sandbox, as a child. The “fun streaks”, also known as sweat lines, were apparent on my grubby little cheeks and hands. My feet were bare and honey brown. I would meet Daddy at the car when he came home from work. As I waited, I remember drawing in the soft dirt with my toes while Daddy reached across the seat for his lunch box. When I looked back up from my dirt drawing, Daddy was holding a huge, dark green watermelon! I must have been smiling all over because Daddy laughed all the way into the house.

At that young age, time didn’t mean much to me. I knew night and day but the seasons were still a mystery. I must have been about three years old when I finally realized what summer was. Summer was when Daddy brought home a watermelon for me. The summer tradition of eating watermelon continues.

This is one of the small memories that has affected my life in many ways. Because I had good memories of my family eating watermelon together, I made sure I continued the tradition with my own family. On a different level, this childhood memory has brought me many smiles and comfort since my dad passed away.

Please remember that even the small memories can make a difference in someone’s life and be sure to take time for family activities. They will all be important in the years to come.

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Take home reminders of your watermelon summers.

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