Distant Memories

I had one of those moments the other day where an old memory just pops into your head. I don't know what triggered it. The problem with memories are that, if they aren't written down immediately, each time they are recalled they get more and more distorted. Then 20 years later, you have this memory that you're convinced happened one way, when in fact it ended differently. That's why I like writing things down--you remember the real event, not something that has been tainted by time.

I remembered when I was 5 years old. I remember being in school and inviting this girl to come over to play. So, we took the school bus home and walked into my house. My grandmother was surprised to find her there since my mother hadn't told her of any play dates. She called my mom and then the girl's grandmother. Consequently, we had to walk the girl home. I remember my grandmother apologizing to the lady for my "kidnapping". I clearly recall standing there on the sidewalk and watching the ladies talk and I asked myself, "What is the problem? I don't understand why they're making such a big deal about this. I can make decisions on my own. Why do I have to ask other people for permission?"

As you can see, I was very independent and strong willed even then. That was the moment I was the most confused in life. That's why it stuck. It made such an impression on me because I couldn't understand why I was being limited. I was always an adult trapped in a little body. That's frustrating.