Childhood memories are journeys to a fairy tale once lived. Every so often a jaunt down memory lane lightens the mood, clears the mind, and allows me to see clearly the child that’s still within….and more importantly the origin from which I’ve journeyed.
My birthday is coming up in several days and every year when it comes around I always seem to think about my childhood, time I spent in a happy youthful existence, and the miracle that is me. You may laugh when you read that, but I really am a miracle – I almost wasn’t so.
As childhoods go, mine was pretty ordinary ….to me – but as time goes on I cherish those memories much more. I have realized that not every child has the luxury of both parents at home, a loving household, and pretty much anything that their heart desired…and yes, I do realize that to many these things are far from ordinary.
Here are a few of the things I remember:
– evenings spent outside catching lightening bugs with my dad
– Sunday afternoon bike rides with my family
– homecooked meals most every night and a feast every Sunday for dinner
– church was not somewhere my parents sent me, rather somewhere they took me
– sitting in Dad’s lap helping steer the lawnmower as he cut the grass
– hanging out with my Dad in his shop behind the house while he worked on stuff
– trampoline jumping with my sister
– swimming swimming and more swimming
– vacations to the beach & watching the sunrise with my Dad as it rose above the ocean
– playing in the sand and ocean for hours on end
– learning to cook at an early age from hanging out in the kitchen with my Mom and my Sister
– building a dog house with my Dad
I could go on & on with this list – these are just a few of the memories I enjoy reminiscing over. Afterall, memory lane is not a short journey and the fairy tales of my youth aren’t really “tales” at all. To anyone other than me, they are just some girl’s memories of a past life. However, I’m thankful for them and truly know what a special childhood I was granted. I understand the importance of them and what they’ve taught me. First and foremost, the importance of faith & trust in my life. Second, marriage and the importance of committment and dedication between two people – that it isn’t taken for granted and that true, long lasting love CAN and DOES exist – I don’t have to (nor will I) settle. Third, quality time with family builds unbreakable bonds and lifelong friendships…..family and what it means and represents is so important. Fourth, priorities – how to set them, how to be successful, and when to seek help…..the list keeps going. My childhood set my course and charted my path – it gave me a thirst for life and all it has to offer.
Childhood is a special time and the exuberance with which we lived them gives merit to our present code of conduct. How did your childhood shape you, or did it? What did your childhood teach you? What are the things you remember about it that you hold dear or in a special place? And what are the things that ignite you to journey back to a time less complicated where the joys and laughter of days gone by bring a smile?
I’ll be celebrating a birthday next week and as with every year that passes I’ll be mindful of where I’ve come and primed for what’s ahead, seeking all that is before me & trying to discover my true purpose. We all have one – miracles don’t just happen and as such, I didn’t either.
