As I remember, you were an avid reader who loved to share what you had learned from books or stories or poetry.
You were always thoughtful before speaking- never would you blurt answers or ideas before taking time to consider all angles / situations / people, etc.
You have always been soft spoken person and an extremely good listener to friends, family and even to those who you recently met.
You enjoyed games- board games, not the computer or video games. You liked playing the board games as a family group with no other interference- no phones, tv or music. It was time to specifically play the board games - or even to build the wooden block structures. You did not like to confuse the game time or build time or bake time.
Just like on your dinner plate--the potatoes, the veggie, the meat / fish and then the other veggie. Sometimes rolls or bread or croissants were introduced to your mouth while on one type of food- but, rarely. You enjoyed the meal time with talk of the day, family, school, etc. Again, you would never want music or external noises to interfere with the special family meal time.
Just like on your dinner plate--the potatoes, the veggie, the meat / fish and then the other veggie. Sometimes rolls or bread or croissants were introduced to your mouth while on one type of food- but, rarely. You enjoyed the meal time with talk of the day, family, school, etc. Again, you would never want music or external noises to interfere with the special family meal time.
Many times on Sundays you would want to share about the Sunday School lesson.
You liked to hear stories of your grandparents and uncles and their families.
You did not want frills- you loved common everyday items- from food to clothing to games to movies. You NEVER made a Christmas List. You would always respond with the answer "SURPRISES" when asked what you wanted for Christmas or your birthday.
You were deliberate about beginning your homework asap. You enjoyed the bonus of time to do free reading when all work was done and there was time to spare.
You loved learning to play the piano and to sing in the church choir, as well.
You have always been a friend to be trusted. Your closest friends are probably those who have recognized your trust and loyalty and have reciprocated the same to you.
You have always enjoyed food preparation. You have especially enjoyed making foods and giving them to others as a part of your generous heart.
You had unique "likes"...blueberry muffins without the blueberries, for example. (I guess it was your first tendency to create your own recipes from recipes known as common to others.)
You loved listening to Baba talk about her life, her home and her family. It was the same with Aunt Helen. And, both of them knew how sincere you were about asking them about their lives. Sincerity is a characteristic in you that is clear to anyone who spends time talking with you or watching you live and seeing the choices you make and have made.
You are a gentle hearted person. I remember the Spring City Pool swim teacher telling me how gentle a lady you were as a little girl. And, she loved that about you- it drew her into wanting to teach you to swim well.
You were silly about silly things. You giggled when laughs were appropriate and your laughs and giggles were contagious to others.
You never talked badly of anyone and seemed always uncomfortable if you felt someone was being treated unfairly.
You never talked badly of anyone and seemed always uncomfortable if you felt someone was being treated unfairly.
You shared toys. You were a peace maker when the competitive spirit reached others. You were "the fair one." If competition became the reason for the game, it was over for you. You played games and with toys for the fun of it.
In sports, you enjoyed the games but never at the expense of making others feel badly or less than they should be- individual sports seemed better as each competed with their own times, skills.
You loved preparing for school presentations- from speeches to posters to computer demonstrations. You worked fervently to do your best and knew the feeling of "a job well done." But, you never boasted nor claimed victory - your work was best seen on your face when you were pleased with what you had accomplished.
Your teachers enjoyed you in their classrooms. You were recognized as a mature young person with a keen sense of right and wrong and a sincere desire to do well in school.
You always made your bed. You always took care of your clothing- properly hanging the clothes and setting them out for the next day of school. You liked being in your own bedroom as much as you liked being in the family room- but it was clear that you needed both spaces and enjoyed both spaces.
You liked crafts and hands on stuff. Seekers crafts were always fun as were the camp crafts at Swatara and Susquehannock.
I really love you and I am so happy knowing that you love me, too.
mom
**Inspiration for this reflection upon my childhood was inspired by Parker J. Palmer's book A Hidden Wholeness. On a journey toward living a less divided life, Palmer suggests looking back to our childhood for our natural born gifts. He notes that as we grow older, we fear vulnerability and attempt to please others which often leads to hiding these gifts.
**Inspiration for this reflection upon my childhood was inspired by Parker J. Palmer's book A Hidden Wholeness. On a journey toward living a less divided life, Palmer suggests looking back to our childhood for our natural born gifts. He notes that as we grow older, we fear vulnerability and attempt to please others which often leads to hiding these gifts.
