My First Memorable Moment

They say children do not remember their childhood very much before age 5.  I will beg to differ as my very first memory comes at the age of three in the living room of my childhood home outside the City of Philadelphia.  A beautiful little town with tree's, green grass, an endless supply of playgrounds; my home had the warmth of a Southern Town Home. 

As a three year old in pigtails, I'm not sure I could understand what exactly what was going on while I watching Television with my Father.  I just saw a bunch of colorful cars driving fast around in circles and people in stands cheering and my Father jumping up and down when his #3 would take the lead.  Sucking on my thumb with my whoopie in my hand, I sat on the top of my couch which was pushed against the wall of the house, facing the TV.  I saw Daddy's #3 car come up behind another car and hit him from behind, causing the car to crash into the wall. "DADDY!" I remember yelling, "Why'd he do that? That was mean!" I was confused. 

I remember my Father laughing at me slightly with a smile. "Lisa," he said, "they had an accident.  Everybody wants to win this race.  It's called the 'Daytona 500' and sometimes they crash".   I got really angry!  I thought, how mean it was for the #3 driver to push the other car into the wall just to win the race! What a poor sport, this little three year old thought to herself, sliding down the couch and coming to a stop on her bottom, still with whoopie in hand.

"I don't like him, Daddy." I said.

Dad laughed.  The fact that his little three year old baby girl would know that hurting someone is not what we do as people most likely made him very proud. 

I now I have a five year old little boy.  I can only imagine the memories he must have if I am able to remember so very clearly my first at the age of three, in my living room with my father; watching the Daytona 500.  Little did I know years later, that #3 car would be in a horrible crash himself he would never walk away from.  It wasn't until that fateful day when I was an older girl, that I put the two together.  How guilty I felt for disliking him for all those years. 

I am creating memories every day with my child, I hope you cherish and create your own.  Someday, I hope to create memories with someone that will last a life time to share and laugh with as we grow older together.  That is the glory of the memory.  Though time has passed, memories remain and the feelings you felt while creating them are never forgotten and can be relived through recounting them with those you love the most.

Best,

Lisa D.