Write about your most memorable childhood gift. Was it a Christmas gift? A Birthday gift? Was it something you really wanted or was it a surprise that ended up holding a sentimental place in your heart? What do you remember? How did it make you feel?

Thinking and letting it settle for over 18 hours now and I still have nothing!

Zilch, nada, zero!

Did I not receive gifts when I was a child?

Of course I did, but…

A few things come to mind but…

Memorable?

Surprising?

Cherished?

Not sure about that.

We always had what we needed and a lot of times even what we wanted, Mom and Dad made sure of that.

Maybe it’s the fading of memories as I get older.

Maybe it’s the trauma and loss I have experienced.

Maybe it’s that I have learned material possessions pale in comparison to people and relationships.

 What I treasure and remember are…

The moments, the adventures growing up and even now as I live this second chapter of my life.

Camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, riding horses, raising pigeons, chickens, cows, etc., 4-H, sleeping outside at under the stars, riding bikes, exploring the nearby fields, my childhood dog, the numerous cats that came and went, baseball, traveling, art classes simply living I guess.

Oh, I have treasured trinkets here and there, certain books and things, but really it is the memories that I hold dear.

 Those memories of the people, adventures and new horizons that I lived as a child and even now as an adult. Those times that will never rust and nothing can destroy because I hold them in my heart safe and secure. Those are my cherished mementos, they are light and easy to carry. No extra bags to lug them around on this journey called life. And I can take them out whenever I please.

 Thank you to each and every individual who has helped me create those memories. Some are now gone, others continue to be part of my life. I love you all and will never forget. ~M ©2013

The y above was written for #FWF Free Write Friday: from the prompts above posted at Kellie Elmore’s official site. Free Writing is using what is called stream of consciousness writing, no editing, no proofing just writing! Click on the Free Write Friday Image for more information. Post your submission with a comment and link to your blog on Kellie’s blog, post on Facebook, Twitter and Google+ or anywhere with the hashtag #FWF,  and join the fun!

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20 Comments

  1. Sounds like a pretty cherished gift! Memories are a very precious thing and the people that give them to us probably don’t even realize all that they are doing in that moment. Great job with the prompt!

  2. Family and friends and those memories of being with them are the most precious things. I think it’s why I can never throw a photograph away, even if it’s a bad picture or doesn’t invoke a particularly good memory. It’s part of my life and who I am. Love this take on the prompt. 🙂

  3. That’s lovely, Mark. I feel very much the same way. I possess few of the material things I was given as a child. You have articulated your feelings very well. Thanks for sharing …

  4. Those adventures and memories could be the gift you remember most: the creation of those adventures and the willingness to spend time with you is something that money cannot really buy.

  5. This is great Mark! I love the experience- and memory-gifts… those that cost nothing or very little but leave a huge impact. The good memories are what matter most. 🙂

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