We were talking recently about early memories. I have no education in this matter, but I find it interesting that we seem to carry a few memories forward from early childhood. I do not remember being born – though I am sure in the events of life it is a fairly traumatic moment! I do not remember learning to stand and to walk even though it marked a significant moment in my development. No, we do not bring with us those memories.

My earliest memories are from Winnipeg. I distinctly remember the wind at Portage and Main! I remember that I held my breath – so the wind didn’t empty my lungs! And I remember my parents telling me to breathe! I remember my Dad traveling and bringing home little cars – dinky cars – each time he returned home. I have no idea how expensive they were, or where he got them, but it seems to me he always had one when he returned home. I remember that he usually returned home long after I was asleep and I would run into the bedroom first thing in the morning.

I have this fond memory of curling in behind him – he weighed down the mattress and I would roll in behind his back wondering if he knew I was there – wondering if he was asleep or if he was trying to stay asleep. I loved how warm and how big he seemed against me.

The development of emotions and memory are surely connected. I remember that I loved being with Mom for the weekend – just the two of us. While it took some time – to my recollection – to get a rhythm in place, we had our Sunday night dinner on the TV trays bought with green stamps.

Once in a while – and I really am not sure how often it was – the three of us would travel together on a weekend. Seat belts had not yet arrived in cars, well not our car, and I would sit in the middle of the backseat and lean forward so that I was sort of between my parents. Money was sparse and cars were small and as we zoomed along music was varied. I remember the radio blasting out the Mills Brothers or the Something Sisters… what was their name? Songs were in my recollection from after the war and had a particular sound. Sometimes the music was us. I was encouraged to sing the tune while my parents harmonized.

As I sat the heat would blow between the front seats so I could keep warm. No heated seats back then! In fact, a rear window defroster was a long way off!

While the emotions which are tied into all these memories are varied I can say with much certainty that the general tone was one of happiness – especially when we were all together. Being together created a certain warmth and a deep sense of what I now know is security.

Those were wonderful days. At least in my memory. I am sure it wasn’t all easy or peaceful. I know my parents struggled financially but I don’t remember having much awareness of that.

My memories are warm. They are comforting. They are wonderful to recall.