Dear Reader,
The quality of writing in the 2020 Write a DearReader Contest was outstanding. Today's Honorable Mention piece was written by Rosemary Szablewicz. Thank you Rosemary for sharing your story with us.
Fading Out--Not Me or My Memories
As I wipe off the kitchen counter, as well as each item sitting on it, I pick up a small ceramic sign which is inscribed with Rosemary's Kitchen. A flash of memories come into play relating to this oval 3 1/2" x 1 1/2" white plaque. I have a recollection of Aunt Rita, my Mom's youngest sister, giving it to me while visiting us in the first house my husband and I purchased 50 years ago. The trinket had an adhesive back, and I immediately stuck it above the kitchen sink.
Aunt Rita often spent time with us in the 3 1/2 years we lived in our Long Island, New York home. Upon seeing the plaque, she would point to it, smile and ask, "You still have this?" I would nod and respond "Yes".
Two kids and one dog later, we moved to our next home in Long Island. While unpacking the numerous boxes, I came across the Rosemary's Kitchen keepsake. I smiled and thought, I don't remember packing this. The adhesive was now non-existent which prompted me to buy a small plastic tripod stand to place Rosemary's Kitchen on it. Upon visiting us, once again often, in our home of 34 years, Aunt Rita would point to the sign, laugh and ask "You still have this?" I would laugh and respond "Yes".
Through the years, the black lettering on the mini-tablet appeared to be fading. I assumed I needed a brighter kitchen light.
We moved to our Morris County, New Jersey condominium 14 years ago in order to be in closer proximity to our family. Unpacking boxes again, I came across the Rosemary's Kitchen ornament. At that moment, I thought of Aunt Rita, who passed away three years ago at the age of 95, but not without visiting our condo on a few occasions. At each stay, she would ask pointing to the memento, "you still have this", and me replying, "yes".
Still holding the diminutive plaque in my hand, I look at the inscription, and I am aghast because for the first time I notice the R in the script lettering has not only faded, but the top half has disappeared, along with the remaining letters of my name. A chill quickly passes through me. I think, am I fading, or worse, slowly disappearing from this earth? I recall reading articles on aging which infer that as one enters the three quarters of a century period of one's existence, the feelings I am experiencing regarding losing significance are normal. Perhaps this conjecture has merit, but not for me.
Quickly, I open the box marked "kitchen drawer" and find a thin-point felt-tip pen. Steadily, I hold Aunt Rita's miniature gift to me from more than 50 years ago, and with pen in hand, I carefully retrace my name. There you go, I say to myself, the lettering looks brand new. My lips form a big smile as I think of Aunt Rita, look down at the meaningful token of love and place it on its stand. I say out loud, Yes, I still have this. At this moment, I realize that I'm not only referring to my keepsake, but to my attitude on aging as well. Believing in positive concepts about whatever life brings can help get us through troublesome days and long nights.
Feeling uplifted, regardless of COVID-19, and with thoughts for a bright tomorrow, I run my fingers through my hair and grin as I leave Rosemary's Kitchen to join my husband on the balcony for a cup of espresso. Perhaps a glass of Prosecco, to give a toast to life.
-- Rosemary Szablewicz
Honorable Mention, 2020 Write a DearReader Contest
Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.
Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
Dear Suzanne,
Thank you for your support.
Choosing my story, Fading Out-Not Me or My Memories, as an Honorable Mention is not only appreciated, but encouraging to me.
I want to thank my dear friend of over 55 years, Millie,
for bringing the Dear Reader site to my attention. The information gleaned is illuminating to me.
Rosemary Szablewicz
Posted by: Rosemary Szablewicz | April 02, 2021 at 10:35 AM