building memories

I vividly remember the sun coming up and illuminating the Pampa fields with an orange glow while Jean Michel Jarre's Oxygen played in the background. I was in the back seat of the car, looking out the window as we embarked on a vacation trip. I was only 5 and I don't remember the vacation itself but, 30 years later, I still savor the uplifting, almost spiriual, feeling of that experience. I mentioned that memory to my dad once and he told me that he knew the experience would impact my brother, my sister and I. He just didn't know if we would remember it.

I sometimes think about the fact that Luca and Andre are so young that, were I to pass away, they would not remember me. Even if they do not remember the specific experiences they are having, I am sure they are being impacted by them.They may not recall our walk around Sea Port Village this weekend, but I am sure that the delightful giggles on that swinging chair, the ride on the merry-go-round and the chocolate ice cream made them feel joyful and content. And I guess that is what parenting is all about, creating life experiences and providing opportunities that will shape our children into healthy adults. If only it could all be as simple and enjoyable as was this weekend.