Early Memories & Our Stories

What are the earliest things you remember? Some people I've talked to can pull up things that happened when they were so young, I wonder if they were just told those stories until it seemed like their own memories. I have flashes--scolded for picking flowers when, according to the house we were living in, I must have been three. Sitting with my mother on the front porch of our new house sharing a sandwich, probably four. Sobbing in my Catholic school classroom (and wetting my pants), age 5. Are you writing yours? Maybe journaling, but possibly going further. What's the story to be told, beyond the picture or what happened? My flash picture of me sitting with my mother could turn into a tale of how unusual that moment was. We were moving in, my older sister was in school, and my two younger siblings were being watched by someone else, which was highly unusual. At age 4, I already had two younger siblings and another one on the way. I never had my mother's attention like that, except probably to run and get a diaper or something to be her helper. Or it could have be the story of being my mother's helper her whole life, being there for seven months overseeing her care before she passed away. Or how I grew to be independent by age five, now three younger siblings (and one of them took SO much attention!) These can be fun to write or tearful but always illuminating. What's your story? I'd love to help you find it!