Mammaw's Clocks

My grandparents had a huge collection of clocks.

Memories of the ticking and chimes

take me back to my childhood.

I can remember gazing at this clock

and wondering who the woman was.

I could spend hours making up stories in my mind.

When I was 18 years old,

Mammaw gave me the clock for Christmas.

It became a beloved treasure

that has moved with me from home to home over the years.

Years ago, when she passed away,

I inherited this lovely clock.

The key had been lost and the gears were stuck.

Roger secretly took it to a clock shop

and had it fixed as a surprise, so long ago.

It was such a thoughtful and wonderful gift.

Now, I love to hear the chimes.

It reminds me of two people that I love dearly.

My mom recently unearthed this mantel clock

that also belonged to my grandparents.

This one hung in a place of honor over her fireplace.

I have vivid memories of Mammaw teetering on a step stool

to wind the clock each morning.

I always felt like it was a witness

to the happy moments that unfolded in that room.

On holidays and celebrations,

I can remember looking up at the clock

and thinking how lucky it was 

to get to watch our family.

Last week, my mom gave it to me.

Now it sits proudly on my mantle

and is witnessing me as a mother,

with my own family.

Welcome home, old clock.