Most of my very early memories are a kaleidoscope of fleeting images, around when I was two: a sundress I really liked because it had a red bodice with sweetheart straps and a ruffled skirt with bright polka dots.(I still like sweetheart straps!) A family photo with me sitting on a big chair holding a big doll by the hair (I wondered why the Big People told me to hold it).My brother stood next to me because they said, Youre the big brother! (Its hysterical to see his idea of what a Big Brother looks like.) Hammering pegs into a little peg board.
That sort of thing.A Birthday MemoryMy first distinct, complete memory was on my third birthday.Mom put me in a party dress with a scratchy crinoline slip.A lot of relatives were there, especially my little cousins.
Mom took out the special birthday cake platter that turned around and around while it played Happy Birthday.The candles were lit, the magic moment had come, I stood up in my chair ready to make a wish and blow...and my cousin Re-Re blew out my candles.There was a fraction of a nanosecond of stunned silence.But only a nanosecond.
I didnt cry.Instead, with the instinct and speed of a jungle cat, I slapped her in the face so fast my hand was a blur.If I was a second or two faster I would have slapped her before she blew out my candles.The BlowbackI thought I was justified, based on my membership since birth of the Spare the Rod school of childcare (her right hand was a stinger).
Then Re-Re began crying and the Big People all talked at once.Mom was mortified and wanted me to apologize, which confused me since I was playing by her rules.I stood my ground and refused to say I was sorry.
I wasnt, and I wouldnt apologize.Re-Re broke the most sacred rule of childhood: never ever steal someone elses birthday wish.To break the impasse, Aunt Bea told her daughter to stop crying because it served her right (in the Spare the Rod Club Aunt Bea was president).They relit the candles and I had my wish.
I dont remember my wish, but I sure remember that incident: it was my first, earliest complete memoryI started aging with attitude young, I guess.YOUR TURNBut thats me.What your earliest complete memory? Share your story in the comments!!Virge Randall is Senior Planets Managing Editor.She is also a freelance culture reporter who seeks out hidden gems and unsung (or undersung) treasures for Straus Newspapers; her blog Dont Get Me Started puts a quirky new spin on Old School New York City.
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Publisher: Senior Planet ( Read More )
Publisher: Senior Planet ( Read More )
