MEMORY JAR

Will you join me?

MEMORY JAR

Will you start this with me for ‘26?

I last filled this memory jar a few years ago, in 2018! I meant to do it every year but life clearly got in my way.

2026 is the year I will do so again.

The memories within are funny, warm and heart-squeezingly beautiful.

Like a hug from the past versions of us.

I spent an hour reading them before bagging them up to be kept forevermore leaving the jar ready to be filled again.

Little moments such as my eldest spending his school trip money solely on his pesky little brother and the time he told me (aged 9) that I was “far too festive all year round”. My youngest son writing that his holiday was “jus the best fun”, in his tiny little five year old handwriting.

Silly things that would be relegated to the brain’s slush pile had they not been jotted down and popped in the jar.

My boys are far taller than I now and their voices deeper than the earth’s crust itself but reading those notes brought chubbier, more squishable little visions of them to my heart.

And it was most welcome.

I have placed the empty jar on a shelf in the busiest room so that everyone will be encouraged to add a note every now and again.

Will you join me?

Perhaps we can read them at the end of the year and bring in all the warm and fuzzy feelings we need?

Lastly, I wrote this poem a couple of days ago having just chatted with my youngest on the car ride home, again. I put it out on my stories and so many of you were touched by it.

IN THE CAR

Now that you are taller than me,
we have our best chats side by side.
Me with eyes fixed on the road,
yours on your phone as we ride.
Both focusing on separate things, 
makes no difference where we roam.
Side by side, with you, in the car, 
feels like coming home. 

Donna Ashworth 

As always, I am sending my love through the ether to reach you, should you need reminding, that we are all entirely connected.

Donna

x