A Place To Share Happy Memories

[falling_wave]

Sometimes the struggles and defining negative memories in our lives can seem to take over the little happy ones that find their way through sporadically. I want this thread to be a place that people can share happy memories however big or small just to notice them and re-experience that smile or happy feeling that they may have created. Please post as many times as you think of these memories. It will be encouraging for all of us.

I'll start:

I remember one time about a year ago when I was sitting on the floor next to my close friend and we were laughing about some stupid things I did when I was younger and had less experience in life. It was not judgemental at all just pretty entertaining and she told me how proud she is of me that I am where I am. It was casual and I just felt loved at that moment. I was happy.

 

[jaccat]

Walking through the woods with my best friend when I was 17, singing Janis Joplin's Mercedes Bens in a strong Cornish accent (because I couldn't do American) when we round the corner to see a couple of dog walkers. The dog walkers greet us politely 'good morning.' We reply, then the minute they're gone break into hysterics at the thought they could hear me.

One of the very rare occasions I acted like a fool just because I felt like it, and didn't care about the consequences:joyful:.

 

[Nam]

I remember, when I was four or so, maybe three, I was out with my sister to the "river". I think it was like a culvert...a dirty water river with junk in it. I was being risky and staying too close to the edge. I remember falling in and seeing the sun through the surface of the water. As I kick toward the surface, my sister grabs my arm and pulls me half way out. I lost a shoe. I was frantic. I couldn't believe I lost a shoe. For sure I would be beat for that.....
(This is a happy memory..really!)
While walking home, I found a leach on my bare foot. I ran home, scared out of my mind. I didn't dare take it off. I found my father (who was still alive at this point), scoop my up and sat me down on his lap. I hugged his neck as he bent over and took the nasty thing off my foot.
(I mostly remember feelings and smells. My sister filled in a lot of this happening and it fit with what I remember.) I remember his smell and how much I loved him.

I also have a memory that is fond of my father. I broke my leg crossing the street. I was run over by a motorcycle. I had a cast from my toes all the way up to my hip and it was straight out. I sat out in my father's workshop with the toolbox on my lap, learning the tools. He made me think I was helping, when I'm sure I wasn't...lol. I remember him searching through the box, taking tools out, to make sure I wouldn't shove anything in my cast to relieve the itch. I'm sure I had many days out there in the shop. I remember that it was hot, itchy, dirty, but safe.

 

[shrinkingviolet]

Christmas Eve, I was 13, driving home from my grandparents house. Top down on the car, cold with the heat blasting, looking up at all the stars, singing with my Mom and sister. Everything felt magical, peaceful and perfect.

 

[Mit]

In 1988 I was a member of a caving expedition to a remote area of South West China. Previously the area had not been open to visitors and we were the first non Chinese to visit in forty years. The locals were helping us porter our equipment through amazing mountainous terrain and I was being ably assisted by a 12 year old Chinese boy. I was listening to Dire Straits on my Walkman, the boy had never seen a Walkman let alone listen to western rock music. I offered him one ear piece, he put it to his ear and then snatched it away, frightened by the noise. Over the next 10 minutes he repeatedly put the ear piece to his ear, a bit longer each time, until he finally put it in his ear and kept it there. He turned to me and gave me the most amazing smile, and we walked side by side amongst the breath-taking cone karst mountains, listening to Brothers in Arms, together.

 

[Neverthesame]

I was before I was diagnosed. I remember I was really struggling with everything. I would be getting my boots on for work. Every time, my dog would sit on the steps above me, bat at my knee with her paw. All the while making these funny humming sounds. Sounded like she was talking. I'd say something, she would sit quietly and listen. Then she would say something (hum). We would talk for a while, then I would go to work.

I would always get up early so I would be able to sit with her and do that. Little blonde cocker spaniel. Ha, she had the worst hair. Didn't matter what we did, she would end up all matted. Had to shave her bald every spring. She would get so embarrassed about it too. Until she had a chance to roll around in the grass, must have felt way better, without the mats tugging at her.

I'll have to add this one as well.
I can't remember what year it was, but we had decided to try a real Christmas Tree one year. Same dog, would sneak down to the living room, where the tree was set up. Then lay a a little brown present for us to find the next morning. First and last time I will ever have a real Christmas Tree. My god that was funny.

Great idea for a thread. Love it.

 

[Ronin]

A dear person saying if that doesn't work out, he'll find me in the next life, we'll start all over again so ssh, crippling fear for him can go to sleep, it can't stop either of us. That moment was just so full of kindness and a sense of serenity, still can't quite wrap my head around how much of it.

 

[Anrish]

The concert of my favourite band on a medieval market last year. I felt so alive and safe. I could move and jump again - and I felt me, the music, the people around me...and there was no fear. I was alone, but I wasn't.