Treasure hunt in memories

 Close your eyes and travel back to a memory you’ve forgotten, a moment when you felt a simple joy. What can you thank your past self for in that moment?

A moment in time that I can remember is a family trip to SeaWorld in Florida. It was my parents' usual way of spending time with their children after being left with a family member for long periods of time. It was their way of trying to make up time with us. My biggest want out of this trip included seeing a Killer Whale. I had been obsessed with them as a child, and still am.   

I remember when we got in line to see the Killer Whale show at SeaWorld. I was so excited to the point of almost being in tears. I had no idea what to expect, but I was happy to be there. I remember when the whale made his first appearance from inside his enclosure. I had felt so bad because I knew that being inside that tank was doing him more harm than good. I remember during the movie Free Willy, the slumped-over dorsal fin meant something was up. However, the show went on as scheduled. At the time of his ascent into the air to turn and come crashing down, I felt pure bliss and simple joy at the vision of this event. 

I can thank myself for being so open to the idea. Additionally,  I want to thank myself for wanting to be so involved in marine life and having a passion for it. I still blame myself for losing my true want in becoming a marine biologist, but I am very happy where I am now in life as a writer, author, mom, grandmother, sister, and aunt.