#13: Remembering the times
I have lived in Michigan for about 16 years and 2 months, prior to which I lived in Japan (in a little town north of Tokyo, where I was born). Fortunately, my parents love documenting memories, so I possess no shortage of childhood pictures and videos - few that I actually treasure, though. Unlike the vast majority of baby pictures I have, this one to the left bears most significance in my heart.
It was December 30th, 2006. We were still relatively new to Michigan, as we had only moved aroun 7-8 months prior from Japan. It was oddly warm that day - no snow on the ground or any cold breezes striking our noses. In a rash decision, we decided to go to the nearest park by our condo: Bloomer park. The mood was lighthearted, as our closest Japanese friends were visiting for Christmas and New Years'. My mom still tells me one thing about my earliest years to this day: I was one "scaredy cat" of a baby. I never had the courage to sit on a swing, let alone a plastic bouncing duck. But December 30th, 2006 marked one of the biggest changes in my character. I grasped my mom's arm when we approached the serene playground, pleading her to put me on the unclaimed bouncing duck in the distance. Perhaps I saw the fun my brother and his Japanese friend were having on this invention - and had to make my own judgement. My parents were appalled. I sat down and clung onto the duck's ears all by myself. I happened to muster up a laugh or two during my adventure on the duck's back.
Of course, I am reading into this a little too much, but I believe this was the first day of my life that I confronted a fear. I decided to be brave in the face of fear.
So, of course I HAD to recreate the picture exactly 15 years later, because who wouldn't?
Hey Vidhi! I loved your voice in this post. It was super relatable when you did not want to sit on the plastic duck alone because when I was a kid, I never wanted to do anything by myself. I loved how you recreated this iconic picture years later and it puts into perspective how much one picture can show how much a person has grown. Great job!
ReplyDeleteI like the context you gave about where you lived before describing the picture in detail. The side-by-side comparison of the pictures is so sweet, and the message of overcoming fears is exemplified well through the anecdote!
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute picture! I loved your sensory details that helped me imagine the vibe of your core memory. The comparison at the end is so thoughtful because it shows your growth physically and mentally. Your infant self wasn’t smiling or able to reach the foot rest but now you’re smiling and touching the ground!
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