There's Hope in the Memories
 
I look back on the days of long ago
And remember once again
The days of happy childhood
And each special loving friend.
 
I treasure family memories
And the emotions that they bring
I love to look at family albums
And each special treasured thing.
 
I do not feel disheartened
When I reminisce of times long ago
I know that times will change us
As we live and we grow.
 
I know the future is important
As we climb life's mountain slope
But there is a promise for the future
And in our memories there is hope.
 
Thena Smith 

Wonderful Memories
 
There's a place deep within my heart
Which holds my sweetest memories there
While each memory is precious
Some are just too special to share.
 
It holds memories of sweet love songs
And gentle loving glances
Memories of  long-lasting friendships
And flirty but sweet romances...
 
Memories linger that are a small  part
Of something special still in place
And memories of those so dearly loved
That nothing can erase...
 
I will hold them forever
My heart forever stores them there
These sweetest of memories
Which are much too precious to share.
 
Thena Smith

My Childhood Home

My childhood home is gone now
But in my heart I have the view
Of each precious bit of home
As if it were brand new!

I see every single tree
And every Springtime bloom
Along with every farm animal or pet
That chased away my gloom.

I see my parents standing there
Watching me come in the door
And every brother and sister
To their rooms I can open the door.

I can feel the atmosphere
Of love and laughter therein
And I can visit in my dreams
When I need to go home again.

Thena Smith 

Memories of Home
 
Our home was not a mansion
But I didn't know it then...
I knew it sheltered us with love
From the rain and cold and wind.
 
I knew it had walls and a roof
And I knew well it's wooden floor
But when I was a youngster
I didn't know much more.
 
I knew it's where my life was
Where I was loved and cherished.
I knew it was warm and comfortable
And there I was well nourished.
 
I knew that folks in that house
Met me with arms open wide
And that they welcomed every friend
That I brought inside.
 
I wish I had lots of photos
To share with my kids today.
I wish I could take them to that house
And watch them run and play.
 
I wish the house were standing still
And that it was full of those so dear
I wish that when I think of it yet
My eyes did not want to tear.
 
But times have changed and life moves on
At such a rapid pace that one never thinks
That a family home could disappear
Like a childhood being erased!
 
They say you can't go back again
Nothing is the same as it seems
But I go back and visit when I'm lonely
I go back to visit in my dreams.
 
Thena Smith

Each Day is Precious
 
Each Day is Precious
I've said it before
For we never know
What life holds in store.
 
We store up our memories
Like jewels in a chest
And we mull over and over
The ones we like best.
 
But if for some reason
Before God calls us home
We lose that connection
And those memories are gone...
 
It is the greatest blessing
When our memories aren't clear
For those who love us to remind us
Of  those things we held dear.
  
You may see the light
In our faces as you speak
Or the little bits of teardrop
Sliding down our cheek.
 
And then you will know 
That you've helped us so much
By each gentle reminder
And a heart you have touched.
 
Reach out to others
And help them to see
Just how precious and wonderful
A memory can be!
 
Thena Smith