When my sisters and I were born my mom kept a diary about each one of us growing up; through our toddler years, through childhood, and up until middle school. She would tell us all about our little selves. What we looked like, funny things we did, our favorite foods at the time, how we interacted with others, our first words, first time going to preschool, kindergarten...every little thing about us. At Christmas 3 years ago, my mom gave me this diary; to this day it's one of the best gifts I've ever been given in my life. It's being given the gift of the past, getting a sneak preview of myself back when I hardly even knew myself. It's like a little time machine.
I am so curious about myself back during the years I can barely remember yet they were a huge part of shaping me into who I am today. I came across this diary the other night here in Korea. I forgot I had packed it into some of the things I brought with me from home. I absolutely love re-reading some of the stories about myself and my sisters when we were young. My mom has an amazing way of writing that captures the the little moments of life in a way where it's almost like I'm reliving the moment. I must have read through this diary millions of times over the past few years, but never noticed something on the very first page until the other night. I don't know how I missed it, I must have just passed by it so anxious to read all about me!
The very first page is a little note from my Aunt Beth. She gave this diary to me as a gift when I was a baby for my mom to write in. It said:
Dear Sheila,
May the following pages of this book contain very special memories for you. Your mother's unique way with words always bring that memory, occasion and expression to life.
Enjoy Sheila-
I wish you happiness always...
Love, Beth
One sentence in there really caught my attention. "I wish you happiness always."
I read it over and over again, thinking how simple those 5 words are, but how hard it is for some people to obtain happiness in life; how everyone in life pretty much is on the same journey no matter where you are; for the pursuit of happiness. I thought about it and I think that's by far the best thing someone could every wish for me in life...happiness.
So thanks Beth, and thanks for letting me re-live all the childhood memories Mom. Those are two priceless gifts that I truly appreciate more than you know.
RSS Feed