Figure Five: A Pocket Full of Colors

When I think back on my childhood, some of my fondest memories are found running through fields, fishing in ponds, playing in creeks, shooting off fireworks, relaxing with family and eating great food on my grandmother's farm. Nine years ago this month, the world lost a beautiful woman who lived fully and who loved well...really, really well. I miss her. I miss her face. I miss her hugs. I miss the candy jar she kept, with the tasty orange slices in it. I was reminded of her and the strength of her love just recently, when we decided to take a little road trip over to Figure Five. Not far from the town of Van Buren, AR lies a beautiful farmhouse on 200+ acres. But its more than the scenery that tugs on my heart when I see the farm...it's the stories, the memories, the family... that draws me in and reminds me of the important things in life. Every family has a history - some more colorful than others. And we don't always get to choose what those colors will be. But what I learned as we reminisced over the events that took place on and off the farm, is that it's those "colors" that make us a family. The "colors," no matter how crazy, bland, beautiful or dramatic, tie us together. And I think my grandmother knew that long before any of us did. She loved through all of the colors. And because of that love, even though she's not with us now, I still feel her holding us all together.

We got to see the farm, the ponds, the creek, the place where I learned to shoot a gun, the front yard where we had soft-ball games and Roman Candle fights, the hay bails and the grassy fields. It's funny how one place can contain so many emotions and so many memories. It was good to be back, with old family and new. The farm is no longer 'technically' in our family, but the thought of it always will be.