My kids have surprised me occasionally, when out of nowhere, they will say, "I miss our old car" (a minivan we sold in December), or "I miss our house in Texas". It's especially surprising when my 3 1/2 year old says this. I guess I don't realize how long of a memory they have at this age.
If I had a picture of it right now, I would post my Dad's white Buick, from 1984-ish, which he sold (I really can't remember if it was because we got a new car or because that's when we moved to England). I was less than 8 years old, but I remember saying, "I miss our old car". I think I even cried when he sold it. It's also written down in one of my first entries of my diary that I received on my 8th birthday. That diary also caused heartache when I left it in the rain, and thought it was ruined...but I didn't let the waterlogged pages stop me from using it...I kept writing in it until 8th grade!!
Wow. Children grow attachments to some crazy things, don't they? I don't know if it's for the same reasons, but I know that even as an adult I have attached myself to old houses, high school knick knacks, my old doll house...Even when we moved from a house I always hated, I cried as we drove away.
And it wasn't for the structure, it was for the place- the living room I first introduced my newborn to our dog, the kitchen my oldest would cruise around in his walker (they weren't bad back then), and the many milestones he reached in his first year of life.
I doubt my kids have great memories associated with our old mini-van, but someday they will remember THIS house that we're in, all the memories we're making, all the milestones they reached, and one day they will say, "I miss our old house", and they will be older and I will agree. Because in our short year and a half, we have made so many memories here.
Hey there Supamom, this is a great post once again. Little Chick was an early walker and a later talker, but now she brings up things from two years ago. Even though she did not speak yet, she sure has memories of things. I think children become attatched because of a certain comfort level to the things they know as well as their sensitivety. I become attatched also because I am very sensitive. I think it is a vrey good thing. I have known people who do not have sentiment to things and they are rather cold overall. I don't care about cost, but the memory behind something. Anyway, I hope you don't mind, but I linked back to your Tuesday post today. If you mind I can change it. I just thought it was so well written and wanted to share it along with my own writing. Have a great night!
ReplyDeleteMama Hen
That is so funny, we left out comments at the same time! I yearn often for another child. It is not so much for myself as it is for my daughter. Little Chick has filled me so much that I am overflowing with love and happiness! I justy want her to have a partner. That is the hard thing for me. I am not sure I can. Your post was beautiful and important. Because you feel so much, you will always have things trigger your pain and loss. It is what makes you warm, loving and special. Please let me know if you mind my linking back to you. Have a great night my bloggy friend! Please know that you are not alone in your sadness, but remember to look at your beautiful children and get hugs when you need cheering up.
ReplyDeleteMama Hen
I love this post! Since we have moved a lot, too, it always amazes me the things that the kids remember about past houses and things that I think they should be too young to remember!
ReplyDeleteEven if they don't remember what house they lived in when they lost their first tooth, or which driveway they learned to ride their bikes without training wheels on, they will always remember the HOME that you have created for them. It's taken me several years and several moves to let this sink in, but it's the truth. Love to y'all!