Childhood Memories (Not!): I Might Not Recall Every Moment, But I See You Right Now by Dawn Taylor

I used to wonder why I had such a bad memory for things my kids did when they were younger. Other moms could recite things their kid said as a 2-year-old or could paint a vivid mental picture of any and all parenting moments like they happened yesterday. I, on the other hand, can recall many parenting moments, but more like a fuzzy old movie that you can't quite remember all the scenes. 

So I take pictures, lots of them, and write things down, not for me, but for my kids to look back on. 

I used to worry that it was not as good as actual memories, but it will never duplicate the real moments. I used to envy other parents' ability to organize and file every detail of their life as a parent. Lately, I have come to realize that my slight disconnect with holding on to each and every moment in my memory can be a good thing. It means I live in the moment and appreciate each day for what is today. 

That person in front of me is exactly who they are right now, and I am so engrossed in the moment that I do not need to constantly look back at who they were and what they did when they were wee ones. My sons and daughters are right in front of me. Right now. Clear as day. And they are beautiful.