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.