While I was driving home from work today a new song came on the radio from one of my new favorite bands came on and suddenly I was back in my youth, driving to the UP (or, more commonly known as The Upper Peninsula to all those who haven't resided in Michigan) with my parents, heading for our annual two week vacation on Lake Huron. My parents loved to listen to old bands like The Everly Brothers, The Statler Brothers, and of course, Alabama. So hearing that similar sound really sent my mind to a different place and nostalgia overtook me.
Maybe I'm just a tad, ahem, emotional, but I can definitely say, as my husband can too probably, that I'm a borderline nostalgia-case. There are so many sights, smells, sounds, and flavors that can take me back and remind me of something that brings that feeling of warmth and remembrance all over my cockles and as I grow older I find that it happens more and more.
Is this what it feels like to become a full fledged, card-carrying adult?
Maybe it's just me and I need to have my head examined, but I'm starting to think so....
As my kids get older and I experience more, I'm more often reminded of things of my past, of my previous experiences, whether it be from growing up in my childhood or from my early adult years in my 20's, or from one of my kidlets first few months in this world........and I sorta like it. I enjoy having a lot of positive experiences to look back on with fondness, I had a good childhood, had wonderful parents that encouraged me to experience so many things, and then let me try out my wings as I packed up my few belongings and headed from Michigan to Oklahoma to start out on this adventure all on my own. I am forever thankful to them for their support and encouragement.
So my point to this, if I really have one, because, well, I tend to ramble as you'll soon come to realize, is that I want to create these types of nostalgic moments for my kids to remember as they grow and experience this big world through their own eyes. My friend Megan recently wrote an article over at Simple Mom on Building the Legacy Your Children Will Remember, and the past few days I have been doing a lot of self-evaluation on my own personal parenting tactics and wondering what kind of legacy I'm setting in motion for my kids to look back on. When they hear a particular song on the radio or smell something that takes them back to their youth, what kind of memory will take them back to these early and carefree days of their youth?
I'm hoping for some nostalgia and a few thoughtful smiles......just like their mama.....
I thoroughly enjoy your comments and insight, I've heard it before and I'll say it again, the best part of the blogging community is in the comments, there is so much thought and wisdom in all of you, and I look forward to hearing what's on your mind tonight.
Ce la vie.....
Oh my gosh. It is SO not just you. I am the exact same way - and yes, getting worse as I get older. I wonder about these things all the time.
Posted by: Megan at SortaCrunchy | 14 January 2011 at 11:05 AM
Oh good, because really, I have been thinking that there is something seriously wrong with me - that I'm entirely too emotional and nostolgic. I've been finding it happens the most when I'm driving in the car and it's sorta quiet, the kids are at school/daycare and those memories and moments come flooding back.
Thanks for your input mama, and helping me to feel kinda normal :)
Posted by: Susan@SmallCompilations | 14 January 2011 at 04:19 PM
Wonderful writing!
Posted by: nike air max classic webshop | 26 January 2012 at 03:17 AM