Memories past and present
CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON
“Call on God, but row away from the rocks.”
-- ROBERT M. YOUNG
When I was a little girl, I loved a lot of people, a lot of
activities and a lot of things. I still love a lot of people,
activities and things. Some of the things were Disneyland, the Sunday
night Disney television show with the “Mickey Mouse Club” and Disney
movies. I can sing the Mickey Mouse song and other songs from the
show and some movies. The first time I went to Disneyland was with my
grandparents, whom we called Marmee and Pop.
I remember how magical and wonderful everything was, and how large
the Matterhorn seemed. I wasn’t tall enough for some rides or brave
enough for others.
I also recall how much Marmee and Pop enjoyed taking my sister,
brother and me to places, depending on our ages and stages. I have
vivid memories of Pop buying me popcorn, Fudgsicles, or other
chocolate treats, and how often he’d point to something for me to
look at to divert my attention. It was a fun game we played, because
while I glanced away, I knew he was taking bites or some of whatever
we both liked.
I also enjoyed rowing with Pop, and he showed me how to stay clear
of the rocks. We’d say grace before meals, we often sang the Doxology
at family gatherings and said prayers at night.
On a recent walk, I looked up at the changing colors of the leaves
on the trees and enjoyed watching some of them blow off and dance in
the swirling wind. I was so busy looking up and thanking God for the
colors that I slipped on some leaves that were in a puddle below. I
thanked God that I didn’t fall and continued walking while watching
children play soccer on a school field.
I nearly walked into a woman, who fortunately was a friend of
mine. We both laughed and hugged, and then I began singing a song I
haven’t heard in years.
I don’t remember all of it, but the part I sang was, “I’m no fool,
no sirree. I’m gonna live to be 93! I play safe for you and me, cuz
I’m no fool.”
I think it was the cute little talking cricket named Jiminy
Cricket who sang the song. Jiminy was Pinocchio’s conscience, and he
often wore a blue top hat and carried a red umbrella. Jiminy was
probably also on the Mickey Mouse Club television show and in other
movies and cartoons. In any case, I enjoyed singing Jiminy’s song the
rest of the way home, and I paid closer attention to where I walked.
I haven’t rowed a boat or been to Disneyland lately, but I’m sure
I’d enjoy doing so. I do remember that the Matterhorn was much
smaller than I thought the last time I went, but then, I’m older now.
When I do go, I’m sure to have fun and think of Marmee and Pop. I’m
sure to row again, and I’ll walk and sing whenever I can. I’ll also
try to play it safe, pray a lot and praise God from whom all
blessings flow.
And you can quote me on that.
* CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON is a Newport Beach resident who speaks
frequently to parenting groups. She may be reached via e-mail at
cindy@onthegrow.com or through the mail at 537 Newport Center Drive,
Suite 505, Newport Beach, CA 92660.
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