DEAR 6 YEAR OLD ME,
As I sit here today and think of what you were like I smile and am saddened a bit. I remember how innocent you were then. The only worry you had was what were you going to play next. You laughed a lot. You took risks that you have not taken since then. You were only scared of things that you should be scared of. You did not care what people thought about you. You did not try to wear the coolest cloths. You did not try to have the latest greatest thing. You were intrigued by the simplest of things. You could make an entire world out of a box and some dirt. Building forts out of sheets, chairs and couches was a daily occurance for you. You loved sitting in the lap of your mom and dad. You were adventerous and took new adventures every day of your life. You were friends with everyone. You did not care about your abs, your hair or your weight. You had the most creative ideas ever imagined. At Christmas…everything…and I mean everything…was the greatest gift you had ever been given. You asked for things, but it did not really matter if you got that “thing” or not. You cried when hurt, laughed when tickled and told people right away if you were mad at them. You did not hold grudges and could mend a friendship faster than anyone I had ever met. You could play baseball with your 85 year old grandfather for hours, even if he sat in a chair the whole time. You loved being outside as long as you could be. You ran and jumped. You climbed and explored. You wanted to know how to do everything and would not stop trying to figure something until you had mastered it. You danced and did not care if people watched you. You were a great version of me.
So with all that said…know that I miss you a lot and hope that we can at least hang out again and experience all of the things mentioned above…at least one more time. I have a lot to learn from you and need to spend more time with you. Don’t ever forget me as I will try and never forget you. You have made me who I am and I will forever be greatful for you. Hope to see you soon.
With Love,
The 29 year old you!!!
Beautiful! In my very humble opinion that is the best thing you have written. Thank you for causing me to pause and remember a chubby, freckle-faced kid that I dearly miss as well. Sometimes our memories hold greater gifts than the present can bring or our dreams can conjure. Here’s to bringing back “Retro” Bo & Trev!
Thanks man…that means a lot to me coming from you. “Retro” would be a great series, talking about reclaiming our child-likeness. Maybe even talking about reclaiming our dreams. Love ya bro…thanks so much for the comments.
Man … what hit you? This is a serious reflection for someone so young. I wish that my childhood could have been as great as yours. Don’t get me wrong there are some things that were awesome – basketball from dawn until dark, Evil Knievel action figure with motorcycle, Hotwheels – with the juice machine, we even played with bricks BIG ONES!
Probably the best was seeing/experiencing things for the first time – real excitement and wonder. I see it in my kids now – its awesome.
Thanks for reminding me of some of the great memories of my childhood.
mgh
i remember many of the same things.
i used to love unmaking the bed, messing the sheets up really bad, and using the ridges and caves formed to play with toy cars.
i never appreciated my grandfather’s quality time with me until it was much to late to thank him.
i still dream, but i also fear to act on those dreams.
oh, to be that young and carefree again!
thanks for the reminder!