Top 10 Childhood Memories
I’m happy to say that I do possess a “normal” memory, meaning that I remember backward instead of forward like London does in FORGOTTEN. That said, mine isn’t a particularly excellent memory, so I did have to dust off some cobwebs to come up with the following list of Top 10 Childhood Memories.
Growing Corn. It’s one of my earliest memories. My dad got on a gardening kick and dug up half our backyard to make room. My parents let me plant some corn. Happily, I tossed seeds everywhere, then I moved on to ballet and make believe and other things that suited my 4-year-old fancy. Meanwhile, my dad tended to his “side” of the garden. Guess what was the only thing to grow? Yup: corn.
The Move. I was born and raised in the same small city; the only time we moved was from the little corn house on one side of town to a bigger house for our growing family on the other. My parents had the new home built and did much of the work themselves. I can still remember them sanding and staining doors in the garage on weekends. Mostly, I remember the excitement of picking my bedroom carpet color. When it was installed, I lay there on the fresh carpeting in the middle of the otherwise empty room, dreaming of things to come.
Riding Free. Times have changed but when I was in elementary school, we were able to ride our bikes around the neighborhood all day and into the evening with no problems or worries. I had a royal blue Schwinn and I loved it.
Jack Attack. Ultimately, he was my middle brother’s best friend, but I’ll never forget the arrival of our longtime pet, Jack. The floppy-footed yellow lab pup arrived wearing a gigantic red ribbon around his neck. Our entryway was tile, and I still smile at the thought of Jack’s legs sliding out from under him as he tried to get his footing on the unfamiliar floor.
The Same but Different. When I was eight, my youngest brother was born on my birthday. Coincidentally, the hospital was right across the street from the elementary school I attended at the time; I spent the day staring over at the building, wondering and waiting, imagining I could see my mom and my new baby brother waving down at me. Then, he was my human Cabbage Patch doll; now, he’s a funny, kind, amazing person who I’m so lucky to have in my life. We have the same sense of humor, so we call each other “The Same but Different.”
Dance-leading. I was a cheerleader in high school but the actual cheering part was always sort of embarrassing to me. But our squad was also the dance team: that was my favorite part. I’m not the world’s best dancer by any stretch, but there’s something invigorating about being in the middle of the football field or the basketball court, dancing your heart out.
Illegal Sledding. I grew up in a snowy place. Conveniently, there were some perfect sledding hills right behind my house. Inconveniently, these hills were part of a military base and were thus owned by the government. I’m not saying who, but someone might have ignored the signs and sledded anyway.
“Borrowing” My Sister’s Clothes. Sure, usually I got caught and it started a fight, but I do smile when I remember stealing my older sister’s clothes. I’d sneak into her room after she’d left for a night out with friends, and try on practically every one of her tops (the lucky duck is taller and leggier than me so her pants were out of the question). I’d choose something just right, and make sure it was back in her closet before she returned. As an adult, when she loans me clothes, I always get a little thrill.
Playing Yahtzee with Grandma. Grandma Lora used to have a way of tapping her pretty fingernails on the table while she pondered her next move in Yahtzee. I used to watch, mesmerized by the sound, wishing I had her nails. I love thinking of that memory.
Fore! My dad loved to golf and it’s something we did together when I was growing up. I loved walking the fresh-cut grass in the early morning; I loved when I actually did well and didn’t have to trek into a sand trap or the rough grass to get my ball; I loved having breakfast with Dad afterward. It was our special time together.
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