A childhood memory isn’t as easy to come by as I’d imagined. Loosing a parent at a young age, one tends to have a lot of memories all jumbled together. It’s like the mind wants to take everything from those 13 years of my early childhood and scramble them together in some semblance of normalcy and everything was always perfect. For this reason, even though I’ve been thinking about it for weeks, it’s hard for me to remember a specific moment to share. I remember 1,000 times I smiled in my childhood, and some funny stories about the time I thought my brother was freaking out because the door was stuck (not the word he was using)… but nothing I could really elaborate on.
So, my as I wracked my rattling brain, my Dad’s wise words, which resonated throughout my childhood, rang out: Shit Happens.
He’s actually the first person I think of when I am about to lose it with the kids.
I will never forget his first shit happens lesson. I was 8 or 9, and we were at a state gymnastics meet in Hanover, PA. While this isn’t too far from home, we were spending the weekend for competition, and it was an extremely hot weekend. He gave me his car keys because I’d asked for them… I needed something from his baby blue Chevy Lumina- I have no clue what it was. I walked back into the gym, through the sea of parents, when he looked down at me and said, “can I have my keys back?”
I froze.
“They’re in the car?” I don’t know what happened, but I remember being in tears as we walked, hand-in-hand, to his car to make sure I hadn’t left a door unlocked to get them. I was red-faced and embarrassed. “I’m so sorry,” I repeated. “Shit happens,” he smiled down at me. I remember he made a call to AAA and they came and his car was unlocked. I cried more.
He never raised his voice or rolled his eyes. He taught me that sometimes shit happens. He taught me, in one act of moving on, that childhood is full of shit. It just happens… memories, those are created when parents suck it up and let it go (yes, let it go… are you singing it, yet?).
Childhood is full of memories… mine just aren’t all cohesive at this moment. I could say that being a parent myself has caused a lapse in memory, but honestly, I think it’s just taking my heart almost 20 years to sort out all of the good from the prevalence of bad I felt as a youth. Thanks for the memory, Dad.
Don’t forget to join in the #52WeeksA4A challenge, and link up below!
You know, those two words hold so much truth! I’m so sorry you had to lose a parent at a young age. I can’t even imagine what that feels like. So many cliches I could use right now, but thank you for sharing that bit of your childhood and I hope it brings you a hint comfort just by remembering it. In the roller coaster that is my life I will surely think of your Dad’s words this week :). xo
Angie Scheie recently posted…Friday Favorites & Blogger Love
Always remember those wise words 😉 He was a brilliant man.
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The Importance of The Team
I’m 21 and I still can’t imagine being without my parents, that takes some serious strength!
Caroline Ciener recently posted…Southern Shirt Company + 10% discount code!
My mom is totally my rock. I’m thankful I still have her <3
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The Importance of The Team
I can’t imagine how tough it must be to lose a parent at such a young age. It’s tough even when they’ve gotten old and very sick. I can’t imagine what it must be like to lose a parent when they’re still young and 10 feet tall.
Jennifer recently posted…7 Things I Love About MyMixx at Jewel #MyMixx
I can’t imagine either. I am afraid my mom doesn’t have much longer because she is very sick, but I am an adult, so it’s very different.
Being 30, I feel like losing my mom would crush me. I don’t know what having him longer would have meant, but I know life would have been very different… and I miss him so much more for that.
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The Importance of The Team
OMG, I had the biggest smile on my face as I was reading this. Yup, sometimes shit happens. Glad your dad was so cool about the keys that day 🙂
Me too! Would have been a terrible memory otherwise. LOL!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The Importance of The Team
I know it was years ago, but I’m so sorry for your loss! That’s a horrible thing to have to go through. I find that a shit happens attitude is the best to have with kids.
Dawn recently posted…Home is Where the Heart is: Football Party
It really is <3
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The Importance of The Team
This is such a great way of thinking. I’m such a stressball all the time that I could learn to calm down and realize that shit happens. <3 Great post.
Heather recently posted…Blackberry Sage Jam Recipe
Amen!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The Importance of The Team
I’m so sorry for you loss. I love that picture though! It’s so sweet and loving!
Suzanne Michele recently posted…The Homeschool vs. Brick & Mortar Dilemma
He was the best- that’s for sure.
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The Importance of The Team
I can’t imagine losing a parent as such a young age. Thank you so much for sharing your story – inspirational!
Meagan recently posted…5 Ways to Protect Your Family
It’s nothing I wish on my worst enemy.
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The Importance of The Team
What a cool memory you have of your dad. I lost my dad when I was 6 so sadly I don’t remember much.
Elizabeth @ BeingMVP recently posted…Getting Organized in the New Year with Stuck On You + #Giveaway
That is so hard. I’m sorry to hear that.
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The Importance of The Team
How horrible to loose a parent at such a young age. Love that your dad didn’t loose his cool that day with the keys so true it does happen.
tammileetips recently posted…Tips for Visiting Mykonos by cruise ship
I feel like he is still teaching me to just calm it on down!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The Importance of The Team
So sorry about losing your parent at such an early age- I couldn’t imagine! At least it sounds like you have great memories! Thanks for sharing…
Danette Lykins recently posted…Easy Chicken Gyros & Tzatziki Sauce
I really do. I am blessed for that.
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The Importance of The Team
I wasn’t singing ‘it,’ until you said are you singing it. 🙂 Love that you have such positive memories!!
Rosey recently posted…What’s Coming to the Wharton?
Thanks!
So sorry about your dad, but he left you such a valuable life lesson. Shit does happen. It’s what we make of it. 🙂 I’m pretty sure I locked my dad’s keys in the car at some point.
Kerri (TheMaven) recently posted…Easy Dessert: Whipped Hazelnut Yogurt Dip
I’m glad I”m not alone! 🙂
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The Importance of The Team
Thanks for sharing such an amazing part of your life. I love the photo!
Andi recently posted…Friday Foodie – Blogger Caroline of Caroline’s Cooking
Thank you!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The Importance of The Team
Your dad and his laid back attitude reminds a lot of the way MY dad was. I will never forget when I was 19 and my dad let me and my boyfriend use one of our family cars to go somewhere. Less than a mile from the house we got the car stuck in the ditch. We walked home and told him what happened and I was nervous he might be mad. Once we told him what happened all he said was, “I guess you’ll have to take the other car then” and handed us the other set of car keys.
Chrysa recently posted…The Good Stuff Valentine’s Day Magazine – Ideas, Crafts, Recipes + a Sweepstakes!
That is the best. My Dad totally would have been that way, too!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The Importance of The Team
that sounds a lot like something my dad says a lot!
Shannon Peterson recently posted…January in review + February goals
😉 Must be a cool dad thing!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The Importance of The Team
I lost my mom when I was 16 and it was was rough. The memories keep me going though and thinking about her helps every day!
Jeanine recently posted…The Learning Journey Magnetic Spell & Learn Board Review
<3 Yes, keeping the memories in me keeps me going!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The Importance of The Team
Stuff does happen and “losing it” usually isn’t the correct response, though I have done that way too many times.
Cindy @MomMaven recently posted…Bring Classic Peanuts Movies Home Giveaway
Haven’t we all? 😉
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The Importance of The Team
What a great lesson and one that I definitely need to remember with my kids! I often get frustrated but you’re right, stuff does happen!
Jeannette recently posted…Bringing Game Night to Life with the Hasbro Game Channel
I try counting to bring me back down to earth… I hope my kids see me as cool as I saw my dad!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The Importance of The Team
Sounds like you had a great dad. And what a nice memory.
Beth@FrugalFroggie recently posted…Makeup Eraser
He rocked parenthood.
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The Importance of The Team
Aw, I love this idea! And the pictures!
Chelsie recently posted…DIY Valentine’s Day Decoration
Thank you!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Dear Adelaide
My dad taught me that lesson a lot, shit happens. I still say it to my kid. But I tell her accidents happen. lol
Mistee Dawn recently posted…Nothing says Happy Valentine’s Day like flowers from Florists.com!
LOL> Dads are great like that. We say mistakes now, too 😉
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Dear Adelaide
I’m sorry for the loss of your dad so young. Glad you have this memory of him.
Karissa recently posted…The other side of things that I don’t mention enough.
Me too <3
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Dear Adelaide
That’s a pretty great life lesson. <3
Indeed!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Dear Adelaide
You are very lucky to have had such a great Dad! Great lesson that everyone needs to learn 🙂
Samantha recently posted…Reclaimed Wood Decor
So true. I’m glad he taught me so young!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Dear Adelaide
So sorry for your loss when you were younger. I couldn’t imagine it. I am glad you are able to come up with some memories that aren’t too painful.
Esther recently posted…Engaging In To The ” ROADMAP GENESIS ” Movie
Me too- that’s a great way to see it!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Dear Adelaide
What a great memory and life lesson!
Chrissy recently posted…Stitch Fix Box #2: Love It or Leave It?
🙂
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Dear Adelaide
What an awesome memory and picture!
Thank you!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Dear Adelaide
This was such a heart-warming memory. Thank you for sharing it with me. I need to remember that with my kids as well. One of my favorite memories from when I was younger was when I accidentally stepped on my grandfathers foot. I told him I was sorry and he, “Don’t worry; I walk on them too” haha
Jillian Fisher recently posted…Funny Friday “Lip Sync Battle with Will Ferrell, Kevin Hart and Jimmy Fallon”
Aww- that is really sweet! I love that!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Dear Adelaide
I totally agree, sometimes shit does happen! Sometimes I very much take this attitude, much to some people’s dismay.
valmg @ Mom Knows It All recently posted…This Week’s Winners On Mom Knows It All
LOL. Val, you are a damn rockstar!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Dear Adelaide
I can’t even imagine….Such a beautiful blog post.
{Erica}EverythingMomandBaby recently posted…The beauty of The 7 Virtues Perfume #MakePerfumeNotWar
Thank you!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Dear Adelaide
Omg, literally just had an argument with my boyfriend as he was going off on one about how annoyed he was with his laptop and I was like please just get over it!
I am definitely a ‘Shit happens’ kind of person!!
Katie <3
Katie Matthews recently posted…Bronzed Slope Style
Gotta be… at least sometimes!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Dear Adelaide
Aw, this was incredibly adorable and what a great shot. Thanks for sharing this moment!
Brenda recently posted…Valentine’s Day Outfit Ideas
Thank you, Brenda!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Dear Adelaide
I know it was a long time ago but, so sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine the loss. It’s a great memory though!
Thank you, Nancy. Sometimes it still feels fresh- I miss him, but I’m glad I have these memories!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Dear Adelaide
Loosing a parent at a young age sucks. I was 10 when my father passed and having those memories is important. Love the photo!!!
Kristin recently posted…Similac Strong Moms – You Could Win!
I’m sorry for your loss- it’s terrible losing a parent so young.
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Dear Adelaide
Haha! I love it! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for stopping by!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Dear Adelaide