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Life In The Middle

Build Memories From Your Family Activities

Labor day weekend and the last Indian Summer days have allowed us to get our family together and enjoy some activities together. We are fortunate that three of our children, with five of our grandchildren live close by. We have been able to pick berries, do some special baking, and enjoy trips to the beach.

On a recent beach trip, our daughter was helping our youngest grandchild, age four, overcome his fear of the ocean. He wouldn’t let her carry him out to the waves in her arms. She decided to let him test out the shallow waves as they rolled up on the beach. This worked. He would walk into the water and when the wave started coming in, he would run to the safety of the wet sand. Slowly but surly he got use to the waves and went out further. Eventually he was up to his mid calves in water. We caught on the camera the moment that he finally realized how wonderful it is to sink your feet into the sand, and challenge the ocean. Before that moment he would cry, and didn’t want to stay near the water.

With encouragement and coaxing he gradually joined with his cousins in playing, and splashing in the salty waves. Suddenly the ocean wasn’t something to be feared, but enjoyed. What a special time for a family.

Once again we have been reminded that a family does not need a great budget to draw together, and enjoy one another. It isn’t money that makes a family pull together. It’s playing soccer with your Dad, throwing a frisbee with your brother, or watching a perfect sunset. The ties we create within our family will last a life time.

I still remember the times spent climbing trees with my sister, or the hours we spent picking beans during the Summer. I remember my Mother reading with me, and I remember learning how to make my grandmother’s pie. Those experiences are long gone, but each memory lives on, just as fresh as the day I experienced it. It is imprinted upon my memory, and when I share that experience with my children, and grandchildren, it is passed on to them.

It seems that our social structure has helped people become more self-centered. Children are an accessory. They are enjoyed as long as they can be involved in the parents’ activities. Some parents aren’t interested in a child who needs discipline. They get frustrated with a child who causes problems. Many of these parents simply want to enroll their child in an activity that keeps them busy. The real challenge is experiencing self-fulfilment, yet truly finding happiness in being a parent.

I encourage you to get together with your family. Have many activities that you participate in, and have memories you share with one another. Remember, you are fortunate if you are blessed with a family. Don’t let the opportunity to have fun together pass you by. Just something to thing about. Until later...Colleen

 

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Copyright 2010 Leland Pulley