Treasured Porch Memories
By Aimee Shea
Rays of dawn creep through moss draped live oaks as the faint smell of gardenia sweetens the fresh morning air. Sun streaked shadows cast onto floorboards opposite the slowly creaking wooden swing. Within the perimeter of its railings, the porch embraces every member of the American family, and provides a backdrop for their memories.
Porches are widely associated with the south due to our temperate weather, allowing for outdoor activities on the porch year round. Often times, gardens surround the porches, hosting azaleas blossoms and sweet
They come in many different shapes and sizes. Some wrap around, others have lattice trim work; some open up to sand and waves and some are adorned with antique wicker. No matter its unique charm, the porch takes on the role of an intrinsic family member that shares memories throughout a lifetime. Important times are spent on the porch, a birthday celebration, or waving goodbye to a newly married couple. Perhaps opening boxes wrapped in pink and blue for a baby shower or mourning the loss of a loved one, or ending that first date with a gentle kiss. Whatever the occasion, the porch is there, steadfast and protective. It stands quietly as the guardian of memories and secrets and offers up a place to share, a place to love, a place to comfort.
