I'm in Ottawa hanging out with my niece and nephew for the last few days while their parents are in Paris and London. It's actually my favourite thing to just hang with the two of them solo. We've had an action packed weekend of glow-in-the-dark mini putt, hours of Rock Band, movies, watching vids on YouTube, making pizza, walking the dogs, working out to my DVDs and just being plain stupid and funny. They really couldn't have picked a more immature aunt if they tried. So, it's been jackpot good times for all of us.
But lately when I'm around them, even though I'm living in the moment, I can't help but wonder what bits of this time in their life they'll remember most. When I think of my life at 10 and 13 there is very little I can remember, which is kind of sad - knowing they won't look back on the finer details of weekends like this, in the way I will.
In my life, when I was their age, it would have been 1985 - 1987 and I'm pretty sure I was doing exactly what they were doing right here. Dancing with all my heart to music, specifically Michael Jackson. Albeit the technology has and will change in this setting, but the feeling of being youthful and spontaneous is consistent. My one hope is that they remain youthful throughout life and remember to live as free and happy as they are in this one tiny moment.
So, here's to their fun collection of memories that will hopefully sum it up as one big amazing experience.
Gotta give some props to the D...O...G.
ReplyDeletehahaha. seriously made me laugh.
ReplyDeletewhat is the dog carrying?
oooOh, and when did you change the layout? am digging the white!
we all hope that our children, nieces, nephews and now grandchildren will remember fun times. I try to sing to Cate every day. I am a terrible singer but it is my hope that she will sing to her child someday and say "Nanny sang this song to me when I was a little girl" My memories are many of my childhood. For the most part all good. The latest memory from years ago that I shared with someone was my "flaky and fun" aunt telling me when you have had too much to drink sleep facing a door or window. It will help stop the spins. I was in my early twenties when she told me this and it still makes me chuckle when I think of it.
ReplyDeleteThey'll totally remember. And probably have different memories about the exact same experience. Growing up, we always had music on. One aunt of mine had her collection of cassettes (jesus that sounds archaic) in her room and my brother and I would pop them into the JVC player. Genesis, Culture Club, Hall & Oats, Madonna, Billy Ocean and of course MJ and the Jack 5. We'd listen to them over and over.
ReplyDeleteOne night at a big family gathering my Aunt orchestrated a lipsync, including wardrobe, with all the cousins. We performed for the adults. Needless to say, we rocked the joint. For the record, I performed Billy Jean. I was about 9 and still remember it vividly.
Good on you for giving your niece and nephew such a magical weekend...even if they don't know it yet.
Sam
I can remembere me we all went to guysborough maanny years ago when warren macrae was alive, and we all went golfing anndd it started to tjunder and lightning. I am pretty sure you were there as was Kirk, and there was the pool there and we stayed in cottages. the memories are there you just need to kickstart then sometimes. then there was the time just after we got EDWARD AND YOUR mom took me to the mall to get a collar for him and Ii think Kirk smashed the firenza
ReplyDeletethe above comment brings back many happy memories. I too remember that weekend. We had such a great time. Warren and Shirley were always fun to be with. The above (who shall remain anonymous) uses this style of writing in all his posts and it drives me crazy. Something else for me to look back and remember with fondness. So take heart, our memories are just under the surface ready for someone to remind us of what a great time we had growing up.
ReplyDeletethey may not remember all the moments as clearly as you will, but what they will always remember is what a fantastic, fun aunt you were as they were growing up. lucky kids.
ReplyDelete