The Gift of an Incredible Childhood Memory

When I was 12 years old, Herman’s Hermits were coming to Oklahoma City on tour. “Mrs. Brown you’ve got a lovely daughter” was my favorite Herman’s Hermits song. If no one was around, I always sang the song as if it were about me so I changed the lyrics by adding my mother’s name – “Mrs. Cathey you’ve got a lovely daughter.” LOL! I don’t believe I’ve ever told anyone that.

Oh, how I desperately wanted to go but it was a “want” and not a “need” so I didn’t think to ask my parents. Besides none of my girlfriends could go. We were too young for a boy band concert!

My mother and her favorite cousin, Bob, were very close and loved each other very much. Both of their parents were deaf so Bob was one of the few family members who knew sign language and could communicate with my mother. She always thought of Bob as her younger brother.

Bob and his wife, Ann, have four children. When we would visit, my younger brothers would play with their younger children and I was entertained by their oldest daughter, Beverly. I looked up to Bev and loved spending time with her. She was a few years older, so grown up and incredibly smart!

My mother and Bob worked together at NuWay laundry in Oklahoma City, and he asked her if I would be interested in seeing Herman’s Hermits. He had a ticket for me and would pick me up to spend the night with his daughter, Bev, and her girlfriends. I couldn’t believe it! What a gift! Not only was I going to see Herman’s Hermits, I was going with girls who were older than me and already teenagers!

I can recall the ENTIRE experience.

The teenage girls treated me as if I were one of them. Never once did they make me feel I was the young tag-a-long.

Herman’s Hermits flew in by helicopter and landed on the roof of the building at the amusement park. That was soooo COOL! (Cool was the word we used for awesome!) We stood right in front and enjoyed the best view. It was an incredible-scream-filled-never-forgotten moment in my life.

Because of that gift, I always had my children invite friends to go on our Spring Break ski trips or special events. Dustin’s friend, Jayson, told me that he loved his childhood memories going on trips with us so much that he will do the same with his children and allow them to invite their friends on family trips.

I had no idea that my experience as a 12-year old girl and my memory of it would turn into giving my children and their friends childhood memories to share, and when they became parents in turn make memories with their children and their friends. From yesterday’s childhood memories to tomorrow’s childhood memories – a gift that keeps on giving!

Bob and Ann have always been two of my favorite people and I know they will be reading this post. They have heard me say numerous times, “I’m so lucky to be in this family.”

Bob  and Ann,
Thank you for so many wonderful memories where I felt treasured and cherished. I cannot think of a better way to honor you than to let you know that your gift of an incredible childhood memory has been passed on to another generation of kids who have become adults and they will continue your gift of sharing. Pretty COOL & AWESOME! Don’t you think?!

God has given us two hands, one to receive with and the other to give with; we are channels made for sharing.  – Billy Graham.

Do you have a childhood memory that has been passed on to the next generation? Please share with us in the comment section!