Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Special Days

While I consider every day a gift, there are some that simply stand out more than others, leaving you with vivid memories of virtually every moment.

Sunday was one of those days for me.

My youngest daughter turned eleven and we spent the first half of the day in New York City. We rode the subway to the American Girl Place where we had breakfast (complete with conversation starters) and shopped. The smile on her face was one I won't soon forget.

When we were done there, we rode the subway uptown two stops to 59th street. We took a very short cab ride to FAO Schwartz where we got to design our own Barbie (hair color, clothes, etc.). When my daughter was done designing her just the way she wanted her, the doll came out as part of a fashion show (lights, cameras, the whole kitten kaboodle). Then it was back outside where we opted for a hot pretzel (from a street vendor) in lieu of the cab ride and walked (in the mist) back to the subway station and, eventually, the car.

It was a good birthday, for her and for me. Because not only did she get a few neat presents but we made a memory--one that will last forever. Sure, the things we remember from that day may be a bit different (different people/different perspectives), but there's little doubt it was a birthday she'll never forget.

For me, I'll remember the look on her face as we rode the subway to the restaurant/shop and then again while in the taxi when she had no idea what part 2 was going to be. I'll remember the way her face lit up when her dessert at the AG Place came with a candle. I'll remember walking beside Central Park sharing a pretzel under an umbrella. I'll remember the way we squeezed hands on the subway platform--three from me for "I Love You," and four from her for "I Love You, Too."

So how about you? What's a recent day that will stick in your mind for years to come? And what will you remember most?

4 comments:

Linda Henderson said...

My day to remember is July 18 this year. My new granddaughter came home from the hospital after spending 4 months in the NICU. She was born at 23 weeks weighing 1 lb. 2.7 ounces and was 11 1/2 inches long. We thank God everyday for giving us our little miracle. She now weighs a little over 6 pounds and is doing great.

Lynn Cahoon said...

Day to remember? My second wedding. It was a total surprise to me (and my husband...) We were in Vegas for a dart tourneyment, got done for the afternoon and our friend started making calls. Before I knew it, we were on our way to the courthouse to get a license and our best friends were trying to find us to stand up for us. It was crazy! But the ceremony was held in a chapel with stained glass recovered from a church in Missouri (our new home) so it just seemed right.

shelley galloway said...

Laura, what an awesome day! I think I loved the American Girl store more than my daughter! I was so sad when we boxed up those dolls.

Glad you had such a nice time!

Shelley

Laura said...

Linda, what a special day. I'm glad your grandbaby is doing so well now.

Lynn, I love that story. And yes, I'd remember that, too!

Shelley, I know what you mean. I get such a kick out of being there and doing stuff like that that I wonder sometimes if I enjoy it *more*. Fortunately, the smile on my birthday girl's face confirmed what I knew to be true...we had a great day!