I remember my childhood

    "I remember" is a common but magical way to start a sentence because it brings up memories that I have forgotten about for a long time.
    I remember when I was still a baby, unable to form sentences. I remember, with the help of my mom's stories, the times that I didn't want my mom to go to work. I remember crying while clutching her legs, wanting to be held and never let go. I remember how cold the marble floor was against my legs but how I was unable to stand up due to the devastating situation.  I remember the panic I felt, thinking that my mom was leaving me for good. I remember the mixed expression on my mom's face, feeling sorry for leaving me crying but unable to keep a straight face because my sister was attempting to play with dolls with me, uncaring about the emotional crisis I was going through. I remember my devotion and love towards my mom and marvel at the fact that she is still the most important person in my life today. 

When my mom wasn't around, I had my sister and my bunny doll

    I remember most vividly my life in the US. I remember the summers spent at the pool, feeling the cool water protecting me from the beating sun. I remember the smell of the sunblock my mom painted on my skin and the sounds of laughter and excited screams that urged me to escape my mom and jump into the pool. I remember returning home with my skin crisp, just about to crumble away when touched. 

Although not at the pool, a day at a beach with my sister

    I remember the winters that were vastly different from the summers. I remember anxiously waiting by the radio, hoping for a snow day. I remember all of the snow shoveling, rewarded by a warming cup of hot chocolate and the mini sled hill that was created by our hard work. I remember how painful it was when the snow got into our gloves and boots and how the snowball fights and fort building was fun enough to forget about the pain. I remember all of these experiences that I am so grateful that I have, the ones that made me one of the happiest kids in the world.

One of the many winter days with my sister

    I remember how much I used to love reading and feel guilty about how little I'm reading now. I remember bringing a huge bag with me to the library and returning with it dragging behind me, too heavy to carry. I remember reading Harry Potter, my first "big book" and how immediately I was sucked into the magical world. I remember how I used to hide under my blankets with a flashlight, staying up way past my bedtime to finish the mesmerizing stories. I remember the excitement that I associated with reading and while I still enjoy reading, I hope to restore the amount of enthusiasm I had when I was younger.

In a library during our family trip to Washington DC    

    I remember all of the memories of when I was happier, freer, and void of any worries. I remember all of the memories that put a smile on my face just by thinking of them. I remember all of the memories that I am relieved to have, the memories that formed who I am today and gives me the power to go on.

Although shaky, my favorite baby picture taken after the school play.

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