The writing prompts invite postcrossers to write about a different topic on their postcards’ messages every month. These are just suggestions though — if you already know what you want to write about, or the recipient gives you some pointers, that’s great too!
Recently, Barbara (bjhowden) wrote to us about a theme she suggests in her profile for people writing to her: what are your earliest memories? Over time, a lot of people have answered the prompt, and she shared some of the themes with us—the birth of siblings, time with grandparents, pranks played as a child, and sometimes ones which are more bittersweet or painful. Either way, a lot of people seem to want to talk about it.
It’s a lovely project, and we’d like to invite everyone to participate this month in the postcards you write!
Both of my earliest memories are from when I was just barely two years old, so I’ve often been asked if I’m sure I really remember, and don’t just know the story. But my family are pretty certain that I do, because I wasn’t told the story. I remembered it myself, and only shared the fact that I remembered it writing-promptswith my mother much later. It’s surprisingly vivid still, all the same; I remember my grampy (my father’s father) holding me and teaching me to make a strong Lego house by overlapping the bricks instead of just clipping them one on top of the other in a column. My other very early memory is about him as well, probably a few days later since he was no longer sitting up.
As you might have guessed, my grampy died not long after; I count myself very fortunate that I have these precious memories! Funnily enough, I also remember teaching my younger sister to build a secure Lego foundation, in the same way, some years later. So in a way, Grampy taught both of us, even though he didn’t meet my sister.
What about you? Are your earliest memories something important, or something small? How old are you in your earliest memory? We’d love to hear your reminisces on the cards you write this month—and in the comments here too, if you like!
4 comments so far
The earliest memory of mine is about me and my grandma staying in our old house. I was actually awake but lying in the bed , my grandma was pouring the boiled water into the big bottle . Hearing the sound , I felt peaceful .
That scene is unforgettable to me ✨
That's such a lovely memory and that you passed on the skill that your grampy taught you, very precious ❤️
My first memories of the first time we flew on an airplane, it was incredibly beautiful. And then it was something cool for me, now I remember this memory every time I fly on Plane
My first memory was when I was 2 and playing in the sandbox, saw a giant spider and called for my mom!! Still have a fear of spiders 😅