Andrea's comment last week really got me thinking. I write a lot about my childhood. The memory of it is a huge part of my daily living, and the experience of it causes me to feel blessed beyond words. I have only wonderful memories: perfect, shiny and glittery with joy. In my mind my childhood plays like a grainy old movie dappled in sunlight. I am proud that I had such a time, and together with Eric's enthusiasm, love, and help I work hard to pass the same experience on to our children. There was a time, though, that I found myself embarrassed at my luck. There was no pain, heartbreak, or devastation in my past, except perhaps that I wasn't allowed to watch The Love Boat. At a certain age I became aware that some of my friends had parents who were dating, partying, livin' the life. Mine were (and are) married, focused on their kids, working hard to have a solid family. It was so totally uncool. Yet deep down I was always secretly very, very thankful. It wasn't until much later that I felt I could be outwardly proud. And now that I have children of my own I'm thankful that I have a clear template, a map to follow. This is not to say that I don't often get seriously lost on unknown sidestreets, but the map is there if and when I need it.
So I guess I've said all of this in an effort to stall in what I really want to say, because I lack the words or the eloquence to do her justice. My mom. My hero, best friend, and inspiration. Tirelessly dedicated to her family, she's unknowingly the tender glue that sticks us all so lovingly together. She never ceases to amaze me, impress me, fascinate me. I love her more than I could ever, ever express. And here just talking about her leads my brain to feel like a champagne glass filled too quickly, effervescent bubbles racing for air only to spill over the edge in an eruption of quiet popping. It's just easiest said this way: when I was a kid happily tearing through my morning bowl of Lucky Charms, I would eat every bite except for one soggy pink marshmallow heart. This I would leave floating in it's sugary milk, for her. And when presented with this honor my mom would smile, happily eat her prize, and reward me with a shower of love. Who could ever ask for more?
10 comments:
You are so, so very blessed to have such wonderul memories.
I think we all strive, at least I do, to do the same for our own kids. My childhood wasn't all filled with perfect memories, but looking back, the bad ones are way more blurry than the good ones. The good ones shine through and indpire me to be a good mom.
OK, I just read creative little daisy's entry today and now yours, and now I'm tearing up. Meegan, both of your parents sound so loving, nurturing and supportive and have provided you with so many great memories...I hope my kids look back at me and hubby as fondly as you do your folks. Thanks for sharing. That Lucky Charms story is too cute.
I love reading your Photobooth Friday entries. The love in your family is so evident and inspirational.
That's beautiful, Meegan. If everyone could be/have great parents, the world would be a million times better. You really are so blessed.
Oh, you've got me crying. What a beautiful post! I'm such a sap.
You left a marshmallow heart for your mom! That is so sweet. What a lucky person you are. I agree with what Alicia said above.
Unrelated to this post, but about the grandparent's bathroom...well, our front bathroom was also turquoise!!! Tiled half way up the wall. No butterfly wallpaper though. 8-)
Wow - another awesome photobooth entry. The marshmallow heart...what a kid, what a mom.
Could your parents look any cooler?
The shades, the Joan Baez/Judy Collins hair....
This is such a beautiful tribute to your family and your words of love for your mother brought tears to my eyes. I agree with Alicia, this world would be a much better place if every family had so much love. Now I have to go buy Fingersmith. See how obedient I am?
gorgeous GORGEOUS words here. beautifully written. and it strikes such a chord with me, I can relate on so many levels because this so similar to my childhood. and sometimes I felt bad about it... like, why me? how did I luck out? why are my friends having such a hard time but not me? I couldn't get over how unfair that seemed to be. and there were times I felt like my family was dorky or square... so much I was not allowed to do. but wow, so glad for that now. and will not soon forget the importance of that as I try very hard to raise two children in the world we currently live in.
your parents sound like amazing people... and what a great strip this is! classic. I love all the details of the styles of that time... your mom's patterned shirt, your dad's cool fro... love it all!
and that part about saving the last pink lucky charm marshmellow heart for your mom? lovely. so lovely.
I just love this post & the picture of course. I can certainly relate...even though there were a few minor events that took place during my childhood...I was truly lucky. Dinner at the table w/ family every night, homemade halloween costumes (which I hated then,but appreciate now), craft projects galore, and certainly much love. I also find myself embarrased sometimes as an adult by my luck, which I truly believe to be brought about by my husband...everything always just seems to work out, no matter what.
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