Carmela Dutra's Blog - Posts Tagged "joy"
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
Insanity makes me sane
Here is something that all of us have heard several times over: Labor is hard work! As you’re reading this word that’s coming to mind is more than likely Duh!?! We already know it’s physically demanding, and mentally exhausting. If you are the type of person who wants to be in control of everything that goes on in life, well…. chances are you are going to have your thinking readjusted.
That’s me, I like to have everything planned out to the letter; but as I’ve learned long ago, there’s nothing in life that is set in stone. Especially when it comes to something as dramatically changing as labor. A month early, and 37 hrs of labor drilled that into my mind clear as day!
It’s okay though, because like almost every mother will say: He was worth every minute of it! Would I have preferred for my son to come on his due date? Absolutely! I would’ve been thrilled if he even came in the month he was due in. Do I wish he would’ve waited at least one extra day so my husband and I could have seen Star Wars the Force Awakens in the theaters? Do you even have to ask such a question??
It’s okay though, he came when he was ready. Was I ready for him? Hell to the no! We didn’t even have a mattress, or newborn clothing (everyone thought we would have a big baby since my husband and I are both tall. So the smallest clothing was 3 months). A friend of ours had to go shopping for us to pick up a few of the necessary items we were still lacking. We had planned to go shopping for the rest of the things we needed that Monday, little did we expect to be in a delivery room instead.
My point to all of this? There is never anything constant, or controlled other than the every changing of life, and nothing ever being in your control. All you can do is roll with the punches, and hold your head up while still maintaining some semblance of grace.
As out of control things seemed to quickly be going, I remained resolute in my determination to go drug free. In that area I was in control, in that way I maintained sanity, and I came out the victor! In all honesty I didn’t even know I was in labor for the first chunk of things, had I know I was I would’ve likely have gone to see Star Wars. Yes this is still a little bit of a sore subject for me…. It’s okay soon enough I will experience it in all of it’s amazing glory at home in the comfort of my pajamas. Besides, his smiles make up for anything missed.
Labor is hard work, but that’s just the beginning. I’m always asked: “Does he sleep through the night yet??” Well yes he does, but that doesn’t change things for me. Just because he sleeps through the night, doesn’t mean that I do. Things will always be physically demanding, and emotionally draining no matter how well he sleeps through the night or, how old my son gets.
Again, that’s okay! I love every minute of the out of control chaos that is thrown at me! Would I prefer it to be filled with little less vomit? Of course, what parent wouldn’t want that! It’s okay though, every moment of out of control insanity makes me a little more sane each and every day.
Happy parenting, and may you enjoy the insanity. After all, it only lasts for a little while…
