Family cohesion and love, climbing the plum tree and eating the fruit, and a mother’s sacrifice are among the greatest joys of childhood memories. This is what Epoch Times reporters from Trebic to Lima discovered when they asked locals: “When you think of your childhood, what is your most magical memory?”
Markus Rauer, 41, Technician
The greatest moment was the first day I started school. I come from Bielefeld in Germany. In Germany, the first day at school the children get [from their parents] a big [paper] cone, as large as the child. It is filled with candy and other stuff that is of use when you are in school. That day was really exciting and different. In the school, you should sit still and listen to the teacher and you get to know a lot of new kids. It is quite different than in the kindergarten where you can play just as you want. It was a magic day.
Jose Sosa Fleitas, 63, Moorman with Port Authority
A very magical remembrance of my childhood was when I was 6 years old. Since I became ill, my mom had to walk to the doctor carrying me wrapped to her chest for 40 km [25 mi.]. We left home really early in the morning and returned at 10 p.m. Those are the kinds of things only a mother can do so it was really magical that she sacrificed so much for me.
Chris Perry, 64, Bank Manager
When I think of my childhood, I think of playing outdoors and not being home until dark, and then having a feed and going to bed at night. A lot of outdoor activity: friends playing with friends in the neighborhood; firecracker night, Guy Fawkes night; those sorts of things; riding the bicycle around the streets. A lot of around the table with family; no computers, no technology, no TV, and we’re all fit and healthy.
Note: Guy Fawkes night, an annual celebration to remember the night on Nov. 5, 1605, when Guy Fawkes was discovered under the House of Lords, London, with barrels of gunpowder ready to blow up Parliament.
Marie Nojmanova, 59, Retired Shop Assistant
I fondly remember family cohesion and love, and, of course, Christmas. It stays in every child. The most enchanting moment was lighting up the Christmas tree and the atmosphere that went with it. Also, I was looking forward to meeting people I was living with; we had more time for each other.
Maria Sturdza, 76, Retired Chemist
There are so many magical memories. … When I first took a bath in Mures [a big river in Romania] or when I was up in the plum tree in my garden at home and I used to eat the plums—those plums were special. In fact, those times were special. I felt I was living the fullest, for example, I enjoyed every moment of my holidays and all the freedom.
Lilia Lazo, 50, Secretary
For me, the most magical memories were Christmas. My mom made me leave my shoes at the foot of the bed at Christmas, so that Santa Claus would leave my presents. The present that presented the greatest illusion for me was a large rubber doll with a pony tail, so with a knife I opened her mouth to feed my baby doll.
Wellington, New Zealand
Aravesh Lal, 25
Ah! Falling off my first bike; I was about 5. I was learning how to ride a bike, which was bigger than me. It was in Fiji. It was a BMX, no training wheels. …. When I fell, I had a bit of a bruise. It was quite exciting. It was the first bike and you just get on it, you know, and then all of a sudden you fall off, and then you try to get on it. It’s pretty hard; it’s fun though. My dad was there.
Peter Csabi, 26, Waiter
My best memory is about playing hockey with my friends from the neighborhood. They are my friends to this day. Also, I can remember my vacation in Germany when I was 5 years old and I happened to fall down in the toilet.
Look for the Global Q&A column every week. Epoch Times correspondents interview people around the world to learn about their lives and perspectives on local and global realities. Next week’s global question: “Where you live, do you feel a sense of community?”
