Sunday morning, I was driving and listening to music, and for no explicable reason, I started thinking about what I’ve come to call The Pillars Of My Childhood; those things that stand out and that I can revisit as cherished memories when I need a boost in my day.
At first, it was simply a fun little exercise, one that my best friend/cousin Mike would have gladly joined in had he been with me. But I was alone, and after a few minutes, the exercise faded as I got on with my day.
Later on, while on an afternoon walk, I picked it up again, and this time, I thought about its significance; how these things affected me, shaped me or simply brought me joy … and now, fond memories.
Of course, my family, our home and the safety and security they provided were always at the top of the list. But beyond that support, I started to think about a few of the other things that still make me smile when I think about them.
My Bike: It was my main mode of transportation, as well as a source of recreation. If you had a bike, you had freedom.
Music: Music has been part of my life every day since I can remember. I don’t know what I’d do if it was taken away from me.
School: I liked school, especially when I was young. It was my “day job,” and it got me interested in countless things I still love today.
Sports: I started reading the sports page when I was in first grade, checking scores and following my favorite teams. That was also the age I started shooting hoops and throwing a rubber ball against the garage, catching it with my first baseball glove.
Coins: I was a collector, taking after my older brother, Mark, and I still have an interest in old coins.
Game Shows: I was obsessed with them and watched them whenever I could. At one point, I wanted to be a TV game show host. I think that would have been a blast.
Bubble Gum: I loved everything about it … and I still do.
Jigsaw Puzzles: It’s one of the best memories I have spending time with my mom. And I’m sure she has a puzzle spread out on her dining room table as I write this.
Christmas Eve: ‘Nuff said.
My Best Friend/Cousin Mike: If you have a lifelong friend; truly someone who has been your sidekick (and you theirs) as long as Mike and I have been a duo, you understand.
My first “jobs”: I started shoveling snow and mowing lawn at a very young age. It made me feel important, and it also gave me a little “kick-around” money to buy things like Hot Wheels cars, 45 rpm records … and bubble gum.
The Streetlight Outside My Window: I’m not sure why this brings me such fond memories, but I loved the beam of light that streaked my bedroom floor and wall every night. It was like an eternal full moon coming through the window. I guess that’s why I still like a little bit of light coming into the room when I sleep.BLTs: There was something special when Mom would announce we were having BLTs for Sunday lunch.
Again, this is far from a complete list, but it gives you a snapshot into who I was growing up and just might explain who I am today. Now, I didn’t share this simply so you could see what was important to me–or what made me happy–as I was growing up. I did it to encourage you to make your own list; things, events and experiences from your past that still make you smile.
It’s a great way for me to reset, to calm my mind when things aren’t going the way I want them to. I hope it does the same for you, and I'd be interested to know what made your list.
Enjoy the day.
© 2025 David R. Haznaw
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