Weekend-Engagement Week 261: What is your earliest childhood memory and why has it stuck with you?

Wonderful weekend to all of us!

Childhood years are nostalgic and sometimes bring bittersweet moments in our adult lives. I think some childhood memories are vivid in our minds because of the emotions we attached to it. Some of our experiences are accompanied with strong emotions and when they are triggered, they sometimes can connect to somewhat related experiences during our childhood years.

In line with this, I have chosen to talk about the topic, “What is your earliest childhood memory and why has it stuck with you?” I would like to mention two childhood memories with my father. Our father was taken from us tragically when I was in high school so I have this feeling of longingness for his presence.

One of my early memories with him was the time when I accompanied him to go fishing. We were born in the countryside and I guess I was barely seven years old that time. Before reaching the spot where the boats were docked near the mangroves, we had to pass some dikes with gaps and there were only old wooden rickety planks used for people to step on. I was terrified it would break but my father reassured me that there was nothing to worry as he was there to assist me.

When we were on the small boat and already at a deeper part of the sea, my father threw the fishing net. He jumped into the water to check if the net was set properly. At this point, I could hear a loud thunder then it rained suddenly and the sky became dark. I couldn’t help but cry as I was just alone on the boat while he was few meters away. When he swam back, I felt better that he was at arm’s reach and he calmly explained that I shouldn’t have been worried because he was just nearby.

Looking back, I feel that this stuck in my mind because as a child, I looked up to my father’s presence for protection. I felt that his presence gave me a sense of safety. Also, his emotional support boosted my confidence and helped me handle my fears. He was not overprotective of me, he just made me feel that he was just right behind me as I slowly developed my independence. He was a caring person and he shared his time to anyone who needed his presence.

Another unforgettable time was when my father gave me a piggy bank. He went to the city to buy some house supplies one time. He had left me at my grandma’s house so I wouldn’t be alone at home. In the evening, he came to grandma’s house to fetch me. He brought some food for grandma then he called me away from grandma’s visitors and secretly showed me the ceramic piggy bank. I was so surprised and pleased of his gift. It literally looked like a pig with ears, rosy cheeks and red lips with colorful flowers painted on its body.

This was also memorable for me because he taught me how to save money at a young age. He explained that whenever I received some money from them or others, I shouldn’t be so quick to spend it even if it was just a small amount. Well, I was a kid that time but putting coins in that piggy bank was already a good start.

From that time on, I developed the habit of saving money. He was a practical person and taught me not spend beyond our means; any purchase should be of good value for money and should be really useful. Perhaps that was the reason why he was not into giving us fancy toys or gifts. His simple piggy bank gift taught me a valuable lesson about the importance of saving money for the rainy days.

These are my reflections for this chosen topic in response to #weekend-engagement sharing hosted by @galenkp. Thank you very much for your time.

Your Friend,
@bettsmarie09

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