My resolution to start 'rememberlutions' jar

Religion columnist

link Patti Dobson

I don’t do New Year’s resolutions. More often than not, they are broken before the ink is dry on the paper, resulting in a double whammy of failure and guilt.

Truth be told, this new year is harder to face than others. I’m still reeling from the unexpected loss of someone who colored my life with humor, love and joy. Lona Waldo, a sprite of a woman, died the beginning of December. And I’m struggling to wrap my head, and heart, around that.

Thanksgiving Day, she said she and her husband Dwight had resolved to get through whatever life would toss at them, and they’d stay together as long as possible. She said at their age that was the best they could do.

That serious moment was tempered by her elfish laugh, and talk shifted to their garden. Whatever happened, she and Dwight were going to do some spring planting with a little help from their friends. She spent a while remembering happy times spent outdoors, and friends who’d gather in the garden.

A couple of weeks after her passing, Dwight talked about finding someone to do the heavy lifting, to till the ground and get it ready for spring planting. He, too, talked about the happy times they’d shared with each other, and friends, outside in the garden. His sorrow is wrapped in memories of their 40 some odd years together.

There’s comfort in that.

Fast forward to yet another sleepless night, and my attempts to bore myself to sleep by reading through various Internet sites. Didn’t happen. But, I did find an article about creating a “rememberlutions” jar.

Instead of creating resolutions, we fill the jar with memories and accomplishments we gather through the year.

The instructions are simple.

Find a jar. Check.

Gather up arts and crafts supplies, and dress up (or not) the jar. Half check.

Starting Jan. 1, write down accomplishments, memories, ta-da moments and place them in the jar.

At the end of 2015, open the jar, reflect upon and celebrate those moments.

This is a resolution I should be able to keep. One of my ‘rememberlutions’ will be clearing out the leaves and winter debris from part of my own garden that’s filled with bulbs Lona gave me from hers. And when those flowers bloom, I will celebrate her life and spirit. A ‘rememberlution’ of love and hugs.

Patti Dobson writes about faith for the Portales News-Tribune. Contact her at:

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