Tuesday, August 09, 2005

I'm thinking of a number

Is there a number that reminds you of something else? A number that pops up often that takes you to another time and place?

I have such a number. I arrived at work at 8:19 this morning. 819. 819. Every time I hear 819 I think of my grandmother - bless her memory. She had a house at 819 West 24th Street. My great-grandparents moved to Arkansas from Illinois one winter of my childhood, and lived in the house at 819 West 24th Street. It was a happy time. Sunday afternoon visits. Ritz crackers with cream cheese and strawberry preserves for a snack. And hot tea. Handmade doll clothes made by my great-grandmother. The dainty flowered handkerchief fashioned into a doll cape. The pipe smoke and large-print Readers' Digest and rocking chair of my great-grandfather.

I always think of my grandmother - and my great-grandparents when I hear "819".

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