Tonight, as Memorial Day approaches, I sat and thought about a lot of memories and tried to think back as to how far I could remember certain things. Without getting into the psychology of how our childhood affects us today as adults I wonder just how much Carrington remembers of her first time spent in the orphanage. We don't give enough credit to children as far as their memories go and sometimes some do not give any credit to children with special needs and their memories. Well I sure do and I know there are so many of my friends out there who feel the same way.
Although Carrington is very young, she was without a family for so long and I sometimes find myself sadden to imagine what does she remember about her life. As her Mommy I would like to hope she remembers not one single thing before the day her daddy and I first held her in our arms. I would love to believe she only remembers the past 2 1/2 months of her life in which she experienced love, life, and true freedom. You see, I, for one moment, do not doubt that God was with Carrington each and every day of her life just as He is now. He knew she was to be our daughter and He made sure that happened despite the efforts of the orphanage to keep her hidden from life. I guess I am a sentimental mommy. I want my children to have the memories I do of things like grandparents, camping trips, and silly little things. You see I was blessed to have been given the wind chime you see below by my Grandma. She and my Grandpa bought it down in New Mexico close to 25 years ago. That wind chime hung just outside of their back door for all to see and hear. My Grandfather passed away 19 years ago this month, and just a few years ago my Grandma told me she wanted me to have the wind chime. Brian hung it right out front of our house so those who enter our home can enjoy the sweet sound it makes.
Today Carrington and I sat outside on our front lawn enjoying the breeze and listening to the sweet sound of our wind chime. The music that came from that wind chime took me back to my teenage years and all the memories made with my grandparents. The music is such a sweet reminder of the love my grandparents had for me. The music. Calming, simple, never repeating. As I remembered those times shared with my grandparents, and as Carrington just relaxed in my lap, my heart was completely happy and full. The wind chime just may be Carrington and I's special time together. Chances are Carrington will never get to meet her Great Grandma but as her Mommy I will be sure to share those memories I have with her as well as her siblings and then enjoy making new memories for her to share with others as she grows old.
The day was hot and our a.c. is broken so it was ala natural for this baby; with accessories of course. Just take a look at her arms. Aren't those little arms just a sight to be so thankful for?!
Carrington and Mommy's special wind chime. Thank you Grandma and Grandpa for giving me the memories to carry in my heart and mind forever! I love you!
5 comments:
I too think about that sometimes...the things children remember, how young their first memories are, etc. I think that is because of abuse I experienced as a child thru my teenage years that I wonder about these things. But I also know children are very resilient. And most of all, I know that love can heal and work miracles thru Christ! Like you, I pray that sweet Carrington's memory of the orphanage life has been mercifully blotted out and she only remembers her life from the moment she felt her family's arms around her!
That was beautiful, Shelly. Thanks for sharing. I pray many wonderful memories for you and Carrington listening to the wind chime.
I often forget about Elijah's "before". But sometimes it becomes very evident when certain things happen...like when he shuts himself in a room and is all alone. He screams! I don't even want to think about how many times he was shut away and had no one to rescue, comfort and love him while he cried and cried...breaks my heart.
Over 16lbs!!! Yay! I had to go through the blog and watch her videos again. Love the one where she is being tickled and laughing (and I LOVE the singing ones, too!). When I first came to this blog and heard about Carrington my hope was to one day hear her laugh or at the very most see a picture of her smiling!!! I didn't expect it to be SO SOON! The power of love - there is nothing greater. Thank you, Lord!!!
PS This is Joy from JoyBelleJewelry. If you or Sarah could remind people that proceeds from the purchase of The Carrington necklace will go directly to the Burmans until the end of June that'd be great! And if either of you messaged me via my PayPal email address I never check that email. My main email is the one in my blog profile.
I hope she doesn't remember anything before you! Everyday you give her more new and beautiful memories, and hopefully if Miss.C does have any memories of the orphanage her new ones are burying the old ones.
Every new memory you give her will help ease the pain of a bad one. You are all blessed to have each other.
Brooke Annessa
www.theannessafamily.blogspot.com
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