Seasons as a memoir

Paulette 1 month ago

3 replies

The seasons as a memoir

Each memory, image and feeling happened in one of the four seasons.  This can result in strong associations: you may recall the first time you made a snowman or collected some flowers or interesting insects….

Socially too it may stir up some nostalgia - the last time you met a certain person may have been at the Christmas market or at the garden center in summer.  Looking at photographs can be interesting as we may notice something we missed at the time.

Seasons can reflect back ideas and notions to us like; spring and new beginnings or winter and family, with the Christmas holidays. With these memories embedded in the context of the season we can also think ahead and ask for example ‘how does the snowfall make me feel’? 

Whether it is cosy and warm at home or potentially annoyed at your car being stuck in the snow - we all have such contrasting reactions. 

I am presently watching the snowfall - big flakes make me think of Christmas cards and flurries bring up feelings of hope - as a child a snow day felt like magic.  The slushy mess afterwards reminds me that nothing lasts forever….

Please feel free to share any seasonal thoughts or stories…..

LauraMC1 17 days ago

Hi Paulette,

Thanks so much for sharing this.

It is a really interesting thing to think about. For me, my Mum died just before the clocks changed in March and just as the daffodils were in full flow. At the time it felt quite cruel that she was dying just as the earth was waking up in such a joyous way, especially as she always loved daffodils so much.

But as time goes on I find I can enjoy the Spring time again-I really do love the days drawing out it is one of my favourite things about our seasons.  I have a lot of happy memories with my Mum from that time of year and she always encouraged us to see the light and hope in life so now that is what Spring represents to me.

Warmest wishes

Laura (member of the Marie Curie Information and Support Team)

Yvonne1 8 days ago

Hi Paulette/Laura

Your posts resonated with me with regard to the seasons and the memories they evoke when you have lost a loved one.

My dear Dad passed in March and Mum in May some years ago, but both seasons when - as you say Laura - spring was about to arrive and with it, new life was evident all around in buds on trees and the garden springing into bloom once again.  I recall especially with Mum`s passing that she would never again tend the weeds or look forward to picking her favourite flowers and to this day, still have a lump in the throat when seeing beautiful daffodils, snowdrops, bluebells etc.  

As time passes however, I think you learn to take the positives out of such simple things and nature is truly wonderful and can bring comfort to the darkest of days.

Regards

Yvonne1

Paulette 8 days ago

Laura MC1 and Yvonne 1,

I love your thoughtful responses to the 'seasons' and how it can affect us in relation to a loved one - what strikes me is the 'hope' that is attached to this, that actually grief can get less raw as time goes on and there we can maybe pay more attention to how our loved one was;their likes, dislikes and so on. The onwards journey although painful may reinforce those aspects which we so admired about the person. The part that nature can play is very heartening and there is just something 'constant' about this.

For me, scents are a reminder of loved ones and times gone by - perfum, cakes and even the chlorine from swimming pool but my favorite reminder scent is certainly the beach in summer - salty air and crashing waves takes me back to family outings and fun times had. 

Thanks for sharing