by Erika Cormier

Created on: March 15, 2009

As a young girl who admired my parents, I would often wonder what my parents did after I went to bed. Many nights I stayed awake in my bed and one night I finally decided to creep in to our living room, where I found my mother and father watching tv and talking. Desperate to be a part of their "nightly world" I decided to finally make myself known. I was openly invited to sit with them and after talking with my father while he was untying his work boots, I asked him if he would show me how to tie his boots. He was thrilled and eagerly sat me on his lap, where he began his lesson. My Dad showed me step by step and slowly how to tie the laces on his worn, old, obviously hard-worked boots. Even though it was late, he never complained about my being up at such an hour, he just went on about his lesson as if intrigued by my intent to know-how. After the third time as I remember, he had me mirror his lace-tying steps and I got it right the first time! He was amazed and proud, which left me feeling so happy that I finally crept in to interrupt their alone night time events. He said that he was proud of how great I made a bow and that I was skilled with my knot-tying ability! After more praise and repeating the process several times, I was sent to bed feeling loved and adored. I fell fast asleep with a smile on my face and I knew that my parents were always willing to listen and were always open to my inquisitions. I smile while remembering this as I tie my shoes today. When I think of this small lesson that some may find over-indulgent as memories go, I like to think that I may contribute such memories to my own child which will retain meaning in his adult life. Each word of instruction, each smile of approval, the time of caring, the eagerness of teaching and the love of providing is what I was taught that night. Such an act could be dismissed by a parent as a nuisance or a disturbance in thier time of such small kid-free space. But my father did not see it this way. When I think of what a small thought to a child means compared to the reaction given by a parent, I realize just how much of an impact a parent has on each and every moment of their child's life and memories. Why did this stand out to me? Maybe because I happen to have a good memory or because tying my shoes is important. Neither could be farther from the truth. The truth is that this night was one of the many that my parents showed they loved me. What is love to a child? I guess for me it is taking the time, no matter what the time or where the time and guiding one's child with lessons they will use for the rest of their life. No matter how big or small, even if it is just learning to tie your shoes.

Learn more about this author, Erika Cormier.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.