Friday, July 06, 2007

Friday Flashback - A little bit o' me

1960 - Pleasant Lake, Michigan - 3 yrs.

My oldest sister was probably closer to being my mother than I'll ever fully understand. She always "says" that I was "her baby". She was 10 when I was born and I guess her mothering instincts kicked in early. I am sure it is she who took the picture, and made the swing stayed in motion. If you'll look closely, you'll see my brother in the background playing catch with himself, lol, and a favorite tabby passing by.

In my memories, this is my "favorite" house. Maybe just because it was my first memory. Painted a Williamsburg Blue color, a cinder driveway, with great red barn and out-buildings. Just a rental, as all childhood houses I lived in.

My sister would bike us to the lake, riding me, for a mile or so, in the wire basket on the front. Wonder if her teenage friends thought it was odd she was stuck with her kid sister. She begged to take me along tho, it was just natural for her.

Guess it's not surprising that when my parents divorced that I lived with her during my 3 years of high school. I was a bigger baby by then, but still "her baby".

My sisters don't read blogs, and barely use the computer, but I need to figure out how to tell my sister thank you for her unselfish unconditional love and care. She turns 60 this year, can you help me think of a way? (Yes, she already has a quilt!)

And btw, start doing these Friday Flashbacks! It's a great way to revive (and record) a few dusty old memories.

13 comments:

~Bren~ said...

You were adorable!! I can see why your sister would have wanted to take you where ever she went! Maybe a photo album done in a scrapbooking style would make a great gift.

Unknown said...

Lucky you to have such a loving sister. Old photos are always a great gift, especially if she hasn´t seen them for a while.

Shelina said...

You're right, it is a great idea to record memories like this. I was doing that, in a word document rather than publicly, because I want to record the bad as well as the good. I've gotten away from that, and you are right, I need to go back and record some memories regularly. You should print out a copy of this blog and make sure she sees it.

I like the scrapbook, and photo idea. Maybe if she has a DVD player, you can make up a photo slideshow, and record youself narrating.

Tanya Brown said...

Aw, what a sweet-looking toddler! These are some really touching memories.

My guess is that your sister has gotten a great deal out of your relationship too. Since she doesn't read blogs, I wonder if printing out some of the stories you've written and sending them to her would be a good down payment on a thank you? Your writing is pretty eloquent.

atet said...

What about a wall hanging that includes a photo transfer of this and some other favorite photos? And maybe printing out this post and mailing it to her as well :0).

Anonymous said...

If my math is still working, that means you'll be the big 50 in August? I loved my 60 heart blocks that my "other" friends sent. When I put it together I copied on fabric the silly card they sent along. Photo wallhanging/hearts/poems/say thanks forever.

Rian said...

I too have a sister who was like a mother to me. She was 12 when I was born. We are still very, very close. I feel like she is my soul mate.

I wonder how many of your dreams take place in that house? Both my sister and I dream about our childhood home frequently.

Maybe you could do a small picture-quilt of that first house. Put the pets in the yard, the swing set, etc. A pictoral flashback of your childhood home.

Mrs. Goodneedle said...

What a cutie you are! This is a happy memory, look at that great big smile! I love the idea of a photo transfer wallhanging, maybe pics of the two of you together with selected text. My fave product for this type of project is Printed Treasures.

Norma said...

I was the "big sister" I was 14 when my "baby" sister was born. It was like I was too old for dolls so I had a real live one to play with. My now DH and I used to take her in her stroller with us because my mother was at work. (and no, we never minded!)

Your post made me think about those days from a differnt view........hers! You were both lucky to have that bond.

Kim said...

What a great photo and wonderful memories! Thanks for sharing!

Erika Jean said...

Love the post!! Your friday flashbacks are so much better than mine!! ;-)

You have snail mail coming. With a mini surprise.

Malagueta said...

What a wonderful photo! I have photos like this of myself on a magnet board. My kids love them! They beg for stories about when I was little, and what's hilarious is when they tell them back to my parents.

MARCIE said...

What a sweet post! Your sister is about my age. I was 8 when my brother was born and he was "my baby," so I totally get it! I like your Flashback Friday idea!