During the Holidays, so many homes are decorated with home spun mementos from decades past. Stockings that were sewn by hands from a different era. Tree ornaments with photos of babies who are grown now and are reading the AARP news letter. Each and every item, a memory and there’s always room on a branch or near a menorah for a new chapter. It’s what help makes this time of year so special.
Well, I went in search of treasures today. It happened in the form of closet cleaning really. Nothing as fun as decorating for the Holidays. But I struck gold. Unexpected treasures from Leroy’s history as a journalist. I found a huge folder filled with his press ID’s from what must have been at least a dozen countries. Most of them had a war going on because that’s what Leroy did…he covered war and the unthinkable of human rights issues across the globe.
I found memo’s announcing his job as Bureau Chief of the CBS Los Angeles News bureau. Notes of congratulations from names I hadn’t thought of in years. I found notes from Dan Rather, written to Leroy thanking him for his good work overseas in various war zones.
What a treasure chest, I’d found. I sat on the floor for hours today, reading and laughing and tearing-up; sometimes all at the same time! There were great pictures too. Some of great old friends we worked with in Los Angeles back in the 80’s.
I found a card among the treasures too. A little Koala bear high in a tree…On the front of the card it says “I”m allergic to being without you.” Open it up…it says..”I break out in lonely.” It’s signed with an “I love you, L”
I gave him that card more than 25 years ago. To think it was among his treasures…
Don’t I wish I could send it again….
December 12, 2012 @ 7:56 am
Again, another beautiful post……….still lifting
December 11, 2012 @ 7:42 pm
What a wonderful post! Bless you..
December 11, 2012 @ 7:40 pm
Leroy knew what to value.
December 11, 2012 @ 6:51 pm
Thank you Laurie for this post. It brings back many memories for me as I reflect upon the numerous times we all looked at old photos of relatives and tried to guess who they were ( it was when they were so young). We looked at my baby pictures, oh my. We looked at our kids baby pictures when we (their parents were so young)…ah-h-h, sweet memories. As you did, we laughed…..the clothes, hairdos, sideburns and yes I had hair….what a great time reminiscing . The joy of memories stored in our hearts that brings a smile and yes, some tears.