(17, NJ, USA) Lindsay - Childhood

When it comes to my childhood memories, the only word I can use to describe them is lovely. My parents were extremely doting and affectionate. It is shown by the round shape of my head to the way my dimples are always on display. Of course, I got scolded or punished, but it was never out of anger or malice. I think of my childhood and am flooded with sweet memories of my relatives. As a toddler, my dad would come home from work, and though he was tired, he would spend hours playing with me until it was time to go off to sleep. My dad and I would go on long walks to the local playground where I would tell him all about my day, random questions I had, and spontaneous thoughts about anything that popped into my head. Reflecting on it, I definitely was just speaking gibberish, but my dad always looked at me warmly and continued our conversation without a single pause. If my dad was the good cop who gave in to my every request, my mom was the "bad" cop who had to try to convince him that spoiling a baby was not the best idea. She ensured that I wasn't too spoiled materially and instead spoiled with pure love. My mom has told me that her worst fear was having to one day see my heartbreak in being told "no" after growing up coddled, so she wanted to prevent it as much as possible. I associate my mom with warm hugs and tickle attacks that would leave me wheezing on the floor. Fond memories include her wrapping me up to wander out into the snow. My attire would consist of a hat, two long-sleeved sleeve shirts, a zip-up sweater with the hood pulled up, a long puffer coat, some gloves, three pairs of socks, and thick snow boots. Often, I would play in the snow for about 30 minutes before I fell on the ground, unable to get up without the help of my giggling parents. My childhood was a perfect dream, and whenever things go wrong, I find comfort in the warm arms of my parents that have been there for me since the day I was born.