There are a lot of different kinds of firsts. Some people seem to think of things first. They are the inventor types. Others like to run to first. They are athletic. And some, like to be first in line. They are, well…. ambitious?
But I am talking about another kind of firsts. First times.
Do you remember the first time of things? Not adult things…. like the first time you had sex, or, got a speeding ticket, or having a baby for the first time. Most everybody has memory of those sorts of things.
But I am talking about when we were little creatures. The little things. Like the first time you smelled a really great flower. Or the first time you tasted chocolate ice-cream? How about your very first letter delivered by mail, or wrote your own name, or tied your shoes?
I don’t have a lot of early memories about doing things for the first time. At least… not these little nice things.
On the other hand, I do remember the first time I broke a bone. The first time I got spanked, and the last time (they were one in the same). I can remember seeing someone get stung by a bee for the first time. And also….the first time I got really, really scared. These are all not-so-nice things.
I wonder why this is. Why we can remember some things and not others. Especially those early “hard firsts” and not the easy, nice, good little firsts.
We all have different brains. In theory, they work mostly the same. Yet on the other hand… each human brain is totally unique and extraordinary in itself. Smart Einstein brains. Brains that have a knack for fixing lawnmowers. Brains that know how to cook. Others that are master negotiators.
Noggins that can say the alphabet backwards. Brains that are good at meditation. Woodworking brains. Shoe makers. Boat drivers. Artist brains. House painter brains.
So every one is different. As are our memories. I don’t know why this is.
But if you can remember the first time you saw a fish swimming…. or those sorts of things… I think you are lucky.
We should probably be very glad for the good memories we can draw upon. They are reminders of the right things in life. The sweetness of being alive. The good firsts we’ve had… and all the good ones yet to come.