by Sarah Darling

Created on: July 22, 2008

Let me tell you of one of my earliest memories. I remember it like it was yesterday. Funny how some things remain in your mind, long after the thing has happened.

I'll take you back to around 1963, or was it 64? It was another day much like most days in my young life. The day began much like so many others. There was one exception. It was the beginning of something that would change my life, although I was too young to realize it at the time.

Picture it, if you will. A little girl and a mother, who wanted her to have all the chances to do what she loved to do as a child. I shall attempt to tell you what went through my childish brain that day.

It's so early, why do I have to get up? There is no school, thank God, and I can't see any need in getting up. I was a precocious child to say the least. The sun was not even up yet, and I could hear my mum downstairs fixing breakfast for my dad who always left for work at about the same time. Yes, it was about 5 am. I turned over, and tried to close my eyes, but to no avail. I was awake. I got out of bed, reached for my warm slippers, and my equally soft robe, and tipped down stairs. I thought I was being so quiet, but my mum can hear a flee fart at about a mile. Told you I was precocious. Well any way, I was spotted. They asked me why I was up, and if I was hungry. Well I wasn't, not till I smelled the bacon, and the hot chocolate. My dad was drinking a cup of coffee, and listening to the weather. The day looked promising. He got ready, grabbed his lunch, and after kissing my mum good by left for the day. My mum told me she had a surprise for me. I could not begin to imagine what it could be. She made me wait till I had eaten some toast, and bacon and eggs. While I was drinking my hot chocolate, she came in with a box. She told me Dad had stopped and picked it up after work the previous day. I was surprised and happy. I opened the package, and jumped up and down with joy. Skates, they were real, honest to goodness, figure skates. But then I suddenly thought, why are they black, and why do they look so funny? Well, after a minute searching my mothers face, I decided I would not let on my deep disappointment. I loved her and would not want to hurt her feelings for anything. She was smiling and waiting for my response. I did what any self-respecting little girl would do, I lied.

I love them I told her and I cannot wait to try them on. She was happy I could tell. I watched her as she explained to me how to wear them and

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