My early childhood was a privileged one, thanks to my Mum and Dad. I have many vivid memories from enjoying a beautiful garden that seemed to go on forever, to the immaculate lawn, also laid out for croquet; not so easy to play as a young kid! I have a photo of my Dad playing.
A white stone rockery, on the side of the lawn, emblazoned with flowers, so bright and cheerful, provided a mountain to climb. I remember standing on the top and running up and down with my brother. Gradually there were ‘mountain pathways’; not too popular with Dad!
As a young child; perhaps five or so years old, I think I may have been spoilt!
A pedal ‘racing car’, ‘number 1’ painted on its side. I remember it arriving. Gift from a family member.
I still have some rather special photos taken by a professional photographer. I actually remember each photo being taken as if it were yesterday. The same photographer took photos of myself and my brother. I remember the little plastic toy my brother was holding in his left hand, brings back even more memories. Strange that memories so vivid visit the mind after many, many decades.
Kindergarten
Kindergarten was special. A number of boys and girls of a similar age; around five.
The little mouse
One day we had to read from a book where a teacher would point out each letter in a word and you had to say it out loud, and ultimately the word. The word was ‘some’. I could not say ‘o’ and for the life of me, I could not go any further. I was silent. The teacher tried time and time again. To no avail. I then left my seat and ran under a table beneath a window. The teacher much to the amusement of the other kiddies said “Where is the little mouse?” I remained under the table for a little while until coaxed to leave the mouse’s lair.
Later in life, I found a reason why I experienced such problems, including the challenge of being taught to play the piano. I was born left-handed and was persuaded to use my right hand as the norm. This can cause dyslexia and related problems. As for playing the piano!?
My memories are all positive, which most probably evolved into my ‘Beacon of Positivity’ outlook.
And so, a chapter of my life as a young kid of about five.
