Dear Bennett,
There’s going to come a time when I exasperate you. While you might find me exasperating for your own reasons, what I’m referring to specifically is my memory.
When I was younger, I used to go utterly mad when my momma would forget having had a conversation with me and thereby forget having granted certain permission for this-or-that. Now, I’m sure she didn’t mean it, but eventually we resorted to trying to get her to sign slips of paper indicating that she had agreed to such-n-such.
While I hope our conversations don’t come to that, brace yourself, because they eventually just might. I’m going to be counting on you to show me grace and patience just as much as I’m sure you’d want me to show YOU grace and patience.
Bennett, I used to have the sharpest memory! You wouldn’t believe the fine details that I could recall! From outfits to word choices to places in time, I was on the ball! Then, little by little, it became harder to retain so much information. It’s not that I was losing my marbles just yet. No, I think my brain had simply reached “full marble capacity” and all the extra information was spilling over the brim of my think tank.
And now that I’m pregnant with you? I’m pretty sure that my “think tank” is less of a tank and more of a modest vase or nice sized mason jar. It just doesn’t fit as many marbles as it used to.
So I’m going to try to keep writing these memories down. And I’m going to need you to indulge me lots and lots of picture taking. It’s not my preference to be so forgetful; and it’s as refreshing as a perfectly timed glass of ice water to have wonderful memories jogged by careful cataloging. My heart just fills with joy to revisit the good and precious times.
So one day when you discover this blog and you’re old enough to be embarrassed by your mother, just remember what a gift this is to me. It’s not that I want to expose you or disregard our family’s privacy. Rather, I want to cherish you and celebrate the wonder of the family that we are becoming.
With a growing love,
Your Mom
*happy sigh*
she finally gets it
🙂
Oh dear…I hate to tell you this (hopefully others have already), but it only gets worse. I have become a list-maniac. I can’t remember to do anything if its not written down first. I even struggle when i remember two or three things I need to do at one time. I frequently forget them before i can write them down. Sad, but its reality. I kept thinking that it would get better, but i hear from other moms that some parts of your ability to remember are gone forever. It’s one of the many sacrifices we make for our kids. The good thing is we have people around us that love us AND they make hide-a-keys for your car and fake rocks to hide your house key in. 🙂
Several women have confirmed this as well. Thankfully Brian loves me a lot and is rarely ever as easily exasperated with me as I can get with him (unfortunately). This is looking like it’s going to be a mighty lesson in humility!
Not only do I need to make lists; I often LOSE the list that was supposed to help me remember something! 🙂
Me too! I keep most of my lists in my phone now. Colornote is a great app for lists.
I made a note yesterday to turn down the AC and left it on the kitchen counter, an inch from where I keep Cleo’s pills. I give those to her before I leave for work. When I came home last night, I realized I never even looked at the note but did medicate my dog.
Full Marble Capacity is GENETIC! LOL! Yes Bennett, pictures are a must!