“Memory is a child walking along a seashore. You never can tell what small pebble it will pick up and store away among its treasured things.”
~Pierce Harris
On your mark, get set, GO!
The lobsters lay listless; the two-thousand mile trip had surely left them spent.
“Why aren’t they racing?” Max stared at the four little crustaceans, frozen on the floor like a short row of armored idols, long antennae laying still beneath the wind from the fan blades.
For the last year and a half, Mia has been asking to have a lobster race for her birthday. Daisy and I didn’t quite believe her when she was turning six, but after remaining fixed on her desire for the last twelve months, we knew she had no chinks in her sincerity.
It was all she wanted. No party, no clothes, no toys. Nothing outside of a good old fashioned crustacean competition. Mia knew about mommy and daddy’s race a half decade before her birth and wanted to know what it would be like, as though hearing skittering sea insects scratching across our Spanish tile would somehow transport her back through time and show her the world her parents inhabited before it shifted orbit.
But the lobsters refused to race.
One might imagine the lobster’s complete lack of interest in fulfilling our little girl’s dream would have somehow stunted her evening.
It wasn’t so.
Mia loved managing her pets for the brief two hours before feasting on their tender white meat. She was concerned about their languor and did everything she could to nurse them back to lively health. We moved them to the bathtub and bathed them in shallow water. This did manage to add a slight improvement to their disposition.
We thought Mia tenderly tending to the lobsters was a bit like the old witch fattening Hansel and Gretel as she prepared the oven. To her aunt’s delight and horror, Mia is both animal lover and born carnivore. She loves tearing into meat while discussing which adorable animal she’s feasting upon.
Last night’s lobsters were the first I’ve eaten since that dueling duo a decade before. The critters that evening were fresh from the tank, still lively in the few hours in between their final bath before it boiled. Back in the time before children when Daisy and I were comparatively sick with time and money. These lobsters, a third the size, had probably given up somewhere around the clouds over Missouri.
Mia’s lobsters may have lain motionless, but were delectable nonetheless. She savored every bite and begged for a little more, slowly savoring her share before swallowing her brothers. Max didn’t care too much for the lobsters, at least not half as much as he would have a quesadilla.
We desperately wanted for Mia’s lobsters to race. We wanted the manufacture of her memory to match the fantasy she had built inside her head, but we cannot choose the construction of our recall; they are towering edifices in the cities of our mind. Those memories were hers, not some refashioned version of ours.
Mia didn’t get to travel through time, but she did get exactly what she wanted. Not something tangible to play with, only adding to the ever mounting pile of bric-a-brac that clutters most every childhood (including her own). Mia asked for a slice of forever.
All she wanted was a memory, and that was everything we had to give.
Writer Dad
Ghostwriter Dad is now offering custom wedding vows in addition to custom wedding speeches. I may be a Long Beach writer, but my words are all over the world!
About Sean Platt
The entire day and anticipation of our friends from the sea will forever be seared in my mind. Mia making a finish line and a homemade starting flag that had the word “winner” written on it with a bright blue oil pastel in her best first grade handwriting. The plethora of phone calls and well wishers in between finishing homework and playing with the critters. All the questions generated about lobsters and the Google searches to find answers. The handwritten letter from the lobster guy DOT com thanking us for our choice purchase. The buzz of conversation, butter dripping everywhere and of course Costco…land of the best All American Chocolate Cake graced with large chocolate shavings around the entire circumference of the cake begging to be nibbled on as an appetizer. Though the lobsters were not as excited as we were, it will forever be a fairytale to relive in the future and especially with our grandchildren. Mia you are better than I could have ever dreamed. I am excited to take you and Max to the rocky shores of Maine so we can have the races closer to the lobster’s homeland.
Daisy
Daisy’s last blog post..Butterflies are Free
The entire day and anticipation of our friends from the sea will forever be seared in my mind. Mia making a finish line and a homemade starting flag that had the word “winner” written on it with a bright blue oil pastel in her best first grade handwriting. The plethora of phone calls and well wishers in between finishing homework and playing with the critters. All the questions generated about lobsters and the Google searches to find answers. The handwritten letter from the lobster guy DOT com thanking us for our choice purchase. The buzz of conversation, butter dripping everywhere and of course Costco…land of the best All American Chocolate Cake graced with large chocolate shavings around the entire circumference of the cake begging to be nibbled on as an appetizer. Though the lobsters were not as excited as we were, it will forever be a fairytale to relive in the future and especially with our grandchildren. Mia you are better than I could have ever dreamed. I am excited to take you and Max to the rocky shores of Maine so we can have the races closer to the lobster’s homeland.
Daisy
Daisy’s last blog post..Butterflies are Free
everybody out, there’s a lobster loose!!!!!
Love the story, loved it.
everybody out, there’s a lobster loose!!!!!
Love the story, loved it.
Writer Dad, Daisy, I’m glad Mia got her birthday wish. Not the race of the two lobsters, but an evening with her family, celebrating her birth. You guys are great parents! :-) Eric
Eric Hamm’s last blog post..Minimize Your ‘Focus Reboots’
Writer Dad, Daisy, I’m glad Mia got her birthday wish. Not the race of the two lobsters, but an evening with her family, celebrating her birth. You guys are great parents! :-) Eric
Eric Hamm’s last blog post..Minimize Your ‘Focus Reboots’
It’s nearly impossible to manufacture memories for someone else: often when I try to give my daughter an experience she’ll remember forever, she forgets it immediately. I must constantly remind myself that they’re her memories, and she’ll figure out what’s important and lasting for herself. I remember taking her for a walk on Marginal Way in Ogunquit, Maine…she was unimpressed. But the bobcats at the Maine Wildlife Park are indelibly ingrained in her memory forever. And the way she looked in mine.
JLSimons’s last blog post..Admit it — you love the ShamWow! commercial
It’s nearly impossible to manufacture memories for someone else: often when I try to give my daughter an experience she’ll remember forever, she forgets it immediately. I must constantly remind myself that they’re her memories, and she’ll figure out what’s important and lasting for herself. I remember taking her for a walk on Marginal Way in Ogunquit, Maine…she was unimpressed. But the bobcats at the Maine Wildlife Park are indelibly ingrained in her memory forever. And the way she looked in mine.
JLSimons’s last blog post..Admit it — you love the ShamWow! commercial
My son Harrison has the very same love for animals combined with the lack of remorse for turning around and eating them. He has several animal books and will point out the ones that taste good.
For a child to be that persistent for that long that truly is dedication. In any case making a child’s wish come to fruition is almost as rewarding for the parent to see their little one’s joy as it is for the child to see it come true… if not more.
CK Lunchbox’s last blog post..Things Past And Present
My son Harrison has the very same love for animals combined with the lack of remorse for turning around and eating them. He has several animal books and will point out the ones that taste good.
For a child to be that persistent for that long that truly is dedication. In any case making a child’s wish come to fruition is almost as rewarding for the parent to see their little one’s joy as it is for the child to see it come true… if not more.
CK Lunchbox’s last blog post..Things Past And Present
I’m also big on giving memories to the children. They’re the only presents that will truly last forever.
GreenJello’s last blog post..Almost Done!
I’m also big on giving memories to the children. They’re the only presents that will truly last forever.
GreenJello’s last blog post..Almost Done!
Hey WriterDad,
Truly inspiring writing as always. It is really great to see how well you’re doing. I also checked out Blogopolis Blueprint and I’ll definitely be checking back often.
Great job, Sir!
T
T Edwards’s last blog post..What Are You Going To Do?
Hey WriterDad,
Truly inspiring writing as always. It is really great to see how well you’re doing. I also checked out Blogopolis Blueprint and I’ll definitely be checking back often.
Great job, Sir!
T
T Edwards’s last blog post..What Are You Going To Do?
“Mia asked for a slice of forever. All she wanted was a memory, and that was everything we had to give.”
*Contended sigh* Nice. Very nice.
SpaceAgeSage — Lori’s last blog post..Do you fake it to make it?
“Mia asked for a slice of forever. All she wanted was a memory, and that was everything we had to give.”
*Contended sigh* Nice. Very nice.
SpaceAgeSage — Lori’s last blog post..Do you fake it to make it?
You are a fabulous storyteller; this is a fabulous story. It’s so like life, isn’t it, that the things we imagine and greatly anticipate are bound to not turn out at all like we thought they would? But we can (and should) still dream and plan. We can also learn to be OK with the fact that even though the results might be different, the essence of what we hoped for is often still there, like it was for Mia. Sometimes it even ends up being better than we imagined, for completely different reasons. If Mia can learn all this at her young age, as it seems she has, she will be a happy soul.
Kristin T.’s last blog post..Eeking some magic out of a milestone
You are a fabulous storyteller; this is a fabulous story. It’s so like life, isn’t it, that the things we imagine and greatly anticipate are bound to not turn out at all like we thought they would? But we can (and should) still dream and plan. We can also learn to be OK with the fact that even though the results might be different, the essence of what we hoped for is often still there, like it was for Mia. Sometimes it even ends up being better than we imagined, for completely different reasons. If Mia can learn all this at her young age, as it seems she has, she will be a happy soul.
Kristin T.’s last blog post..Eeking some magic out of a milestone
Daisy: I thought I felt space in the bed this morning. What are you doing up at 4:16 AM reading Writer Dad? My goodness, Baby! I love you. See you for lunch in a minute.
VodkaMom: Don’t worry. They don’t move very fast.
Eric: Thanks, man. You’re on your way.
JL Simons: I love your comment. Beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
Ron: Dedicated indeed. That’s my Mia. HA! on Harrison. I can totally relate. Mia loves bunnies, but also wonders what they taste like.
GreenJello: Well said, and no doubt.
T Edwards: Where have you been, my man?!? It is nice to see you again. I jumped over to the site. Nice to see a post up there. Welcome to ’09 and I wish you all the best.
Lori: Contended sighs are my favorite, Lori. Thanks.
Kristin: She has indeed, and she is a happy soul. Happy 100, Kristin. I’m glad you celebrated.
Daisy: I thought I felt space in the bed this morning. What are you doing up at 4:16 AM reading Writer Dad? My goodness, Baby! I love you. See you for lunch in a minute.
VodkaMom: Don’t worry. They don’t move very fast.
Eric: Thanks, man. You’re on your way.
JL Simons: I love your comment. Beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
Ron: Dedicated indeed. That’s my Mia. HA! on Harrison. I can totally relate. Mia loves bunnies, but also wonders what they taste like.
GreenJello: Well said, and no doubt.
T Edwards: Where have you been, my man?!? It is nice to see you again. I jumped over to the site. Nice to see a post up there. Welcome to ’09 and I wish you all the best.
Lori: Contended sighs are my favorite, Lori. Thanks.
Kristin: She has indeed, and she is a happy soul. Happy 100, Kristin. I’m glad you celebrated.
G’day from Australia,
GreenJello sent me here – and I’m so glad she did. You have a terrific style.
Mate, in my book, lobsters are simply “doberman pincers”!!
G’day from Australia,
GreenJello sent me here – and I’m so glad she did. You have a terrific style.
Mate, in my book, lobsters are simply “doberman pincers”!!
the story, the telling of the story, the impact of the story – pure delight! Thanks for sharing.
the story, the telling of the story, the impact of the story – pure delight! Thanks for sharing.
You gave her a beautiful memory. And you respected her wishes. I’d say you did really well.
Vered – MomGrind’s last blog post..20 Ways To Help Your Child Develop A Positive Self Image
You gave her a beautiful memory. And you respected her wishes. I’d say you did really well.
Vered – MomGrind’s last blog post..20 Ways To Help Your Child Develop A Positive Self Image
well, in a sense there was still a race, a race to your stomach…nice story.
Chris’s last blog post..Cell Phones and Relationships
well, in a sense there was still a race, a race to your stomach…nice story.
Chris’s last blog post..Cell Phones and Relationships
The time has come to speak of many things, of cabbages and kings, and little girls who loved to see a race of tasty things. We should all have such lovely birthday memories and wishes even.
Absolutely worth the wait, Sean.
Janice Cartier’s last blog post..Why Robert Redford Is A Hero
The time has come to speak of many things, of cabbages and kings, and little girls who loved to see a race of tasty things. We should all have such lovely birthday memories and wishes even.
Absolutely worth the wait, Sean.
Janice Cartier’s last blog post..Why Robert Redford Is A Hero
David: I LOVE Australia. It’s one of my most wanted places to visit. Sigh. Maybe someday.
Trina: My pleasure. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Vered: Thanks. She’s been drawing pictures of it all weekend. She’s happy.
Chris: LOL! It was that. Thanks for making me laugh.
Janice: Thanks, Janice. It was funny. Sitting there with the lobsters stone cold still. It was an odd moment, I knew about my subject ahead of time. It was like being wrapped in time for a second. Strange but cool.
David: I LOVE Australia. It’s one of my most wanted places to visit. Sigh. Maybe someday.
Trina: My pleasure. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Vered: Thanks. She’s been drawing pictures of it all weekend. She’s happy.
Chris: LOL! It was that. Thanks for making me laugh.
Janice: Thanks, Janice. It was funny. Sitting there with the lobsters stone cold still. It was an odd moment, I knew about my subject ahead of time. It was like being wrapped in time for a second. Strange but cool.
” like being wrapped in time for a second.”
Oh I like that. Like echos or time ripples…
Janice Cartier’s last blog post..Why Robert Redford Is A Hero
” like being wrapped in time for a second.”
Oh I like that. Like echos or time ripples…
Janice Cartier’s last blog post..Why Robert Redford Is A Hero
Pfft! Everybody knows you can’t race quesadillas.
So cool that one so young would want this so badly and for the reasons she did. Sounds like a very special little lady.
Mojo’s last blog post..Sticky: Save the Date!
Pfft! Everybody knows you can’t race quesadillas.
So cool that one so young would want this so badly and for the reasons she did. Sounds like a very special little lady.
Mojo’s last blog post..Sticky: Save the Date!
Congrats on a POTD mention at David’s:
http://david-mcmahon.blogspot.com/2009/01/post-of-day_19.html
GreenJello’s last blog post..Wordless Wednesday
Congrats on a POTD mention at David’s:
http://david-mcmahon.blogspot.com/2009/01/post-of-day_19.html
GreenJello’s last blog post..Wordless Wednesday
Janice: You totally know the feeling, right?
Mojo: She is a special lady, and can reduce me to a puddle.
GreenJello: Thanks for that link GreenJello. I’ll go and check it out.
Janice: You totally know the feeling, right?
Mojo: She is a special lady, and can reduce me to a puddle.
GreenJello: Thanks for that link GreenJello. I’ll go and check it out.