We spend a large part of our lives doing things we’ve never done before. It begins as soon as we’re born and continues with our parents’ delight in our first words and first steps. As we age, we keep accumulating firsts–first day of school, first driver’s license, first date, first kiss, first baby, first senior citizen discount and first grandchild are among the many highlights. Times change and we change with them.
I entered marriage and parenthood with little knowledge of how to do either one, but eager to try. All I had was my experience as an only child with my parents coupled with my husband’s knowledge of growing up with an older sister and a younger brother plus Dr. Spock’s book, “Baby and Child Care.” From time to time, I would be at my wit’s end with our three kids. Ken’s encouragement was, “You sound just like my mother.”
Now I’m celebrating one of the greatest firsts in my life–the publishing of my memoir by Adelaide Books, an independent New York firm. “The View from a Midwest Ferris Wheel” is the story of our seven-year courtship, which began in July 1952 with a Ferris wheel ride when Kenny was sixteen and I was fourteen. It’s for sale on Amazon in Kindle or paperback form.
I slipped into the world of writing through the side door of learn by doing. Trying to do something we haven’t done before can be frustrating. We have to be prepared to make mistakes, but how boring our lives would be if we never tried anything new.
“You are not too old and it is not too late” is posted on my refrigerator. It’s at eyelevel and reminds me several times a day to keep moving forward.
What are some of your memorable firsts?