Carmela Dutra's Blog - Posts Tagged "apprecaite"
Childhood Memories
Currently I have been in New York on a work related function. When I told my parents of my impending trip and asked what they would like brought back with me, my father’s only request was that I visit his old neighborhood. My father is originally from Pennsylvania, he moved to Brooklyn (near Coney Island) when he was a young child. Growing up, I always heard my father speak of that time as one of the best memories he ever had. I know for years now, he has been wondering whatever became of his old place; as most would wonder. “Does it still look the same? Is it even still there?” Mind you the last time my father was there was in 1954 (60 years ago) so as you can imagine a lot had changed…
A flood of emotions came over me as I walked his old stomping grounds. It was a dreamlike feeling as I roved about, thinking of all the memories this place held for my dad. As I walked on, I saw more and more changes; I hoped that his old house would still be there. My dad always described in vivid detail, what it was like living two blocks away from Coney Island.
“You would hear the screams of the people who rode the cyclone as it came thundering around turns. The air was filled with the scent of Coney Dogs, and fresh Salt Water. You could hear the seagulls, mixed with the laughter of children.” In the summer, he and my grandmother would watch the fireworks from the balcony. This mission was filled with nostalgia, not only for my father, but in a way, me. Every time my dad would reminisce about Brooklyn, I could see the fond memories he held, the love he would always have for New York.
When I finally found the house a sense of relief and emotions came over me. I was relieved to see it was still standing and cared for; because how would I be able to break the news to my father that his most treasured memory was torn down? I was also hit with a mix of tears, tears of both joy and sorrow. I know all of the heartache my father incurred through his life, and yet being raised by a single ill mother, she still took the time to create memories with her only son. Memories that 60years later my father still looks back on with such joy in his heart. Memories that he has shared, and passed on to me, memories that I too will one day share and pass on.
When I called my father and told him it was still there, and I took LOTS of photos, I could tell he was choking back tears as he thanked me. Which of course made me have to try and choke back my own tears.
This was the best thing he could have wished for, and I am so happy I was able to deliver that to him. Helped me to appreciate the importance of memories made; no matter how small they may seem at the time, 60years later they are huge. Don’t underestimate the impact of something you do for others, namely your children. No matter how small it may seem, it can mean more than you realize.
Wishing you an Adventurous Day!
Carmela Dutra
Author of the Adventures of Lorenzo the Bear series
www.lorenzothebear.com
http://www.facebook.com/lorenzothebear (like us!)
http://www.twitter.com/lorenzothebear
A flood of emotions came over me as I walked his old stomping grounds. It was a dreamlike feeling as I roved about, thinking of all the memories this place held for my dad. As I walked on, I saw more and more changes; I hoped that his old house would still be there. My dad always described in vivid detail, what it was like living two blocks away from Coney Island.
“You would hear the screams of the people who rode the cyclone as it came thundering around turns. The air was filled with the scent of Coney Dogs, and fresh Salt Water. You could hear the seagulls, mixed with the laughter of children.” In the summer, he and my grandmother would watch the fireworks from the balcony. This mission was filled with nostalgia, not only for my father, but in a way, me. Every time my dad would reminisce about Brooklyn, I could see the fond memories he held, the love he would always have for New York.
When I finally found the house a sense of relief and emotions came over me. I was relieved to see it was still standing and cared for; because how would I be able to break the news to my father that his most treasured memory was torn down? I was also hit with a mix of tears, tears of both joy and sorrow. I know all of the heartache my father incurred through his life, and yet being raised by a single ill mother, she still took the time to create memories with her only son. Memories that 60years later my father still looks back on with such joy in his heart. Memories that he has shared, and passed on to me, memories that I too will one day share and pass on.
When I called my father and told him it was still there, and I took LOTS of photos, I could tell he was choking back tears as he thanked me. Which of course made me have to try and choke back my own tears.
This was the best thing he could have wished for, and I am so happy I was able to deliver that to him. Helped me to appreciate the importance of memories made; no matter how small they may seem at the time, 60years later they are huge. Don’t underestimate the impact of something you do for others, namely your children. No matter how small it may seem, it can mean more than you realize.
Wishing you an Adventurous Day!
Carmela Dutra
Author of the Adventures of Lorenzo the Bear series
www.lorenzothebear.com
http://www.facebook.com/lorenzothebear (like us!)
http://www.twitter.com/lorenzothebear
