Through My Eyes

Author: Kasia Yoko
Date: 2013-11-01

Probably the happiest memories of my life is when I was six years old and my parents took me camping ended up on some farmer's land in front of a small dam. Its Czechoslovakia, early seventies, the weather is perfect, the air is fragrant and sweet and I am chilling in between my mom and my dad. We were watching the sun go down and I was munching down on my favourite hard candy. Just as we were preparing to climb into our tent, the darkness was so intense that it was hard to see where we were going, all of a sudden the sky opened and it started raining stars.

I do not believe my parents planned to take me to this remote farm that did not have electricity. They had no idea that this was the day that diamonds would fall out of the sky and create a lasting impression on my life.

Later the media reported that it was one of the most spectacular Meteor Showers of the century, but what did I know? To me it was fairy-godmother-magic-extravaganza-deluxe. I lay on the wet grass, dry mouthed, slightly apprehensive that one of the meteors would land on my head but not at all scared - I remember this was probably my first feeling of euphoria.

And it happened purely by chance. The most incredible and the most unforgettable memory of my childhood happened on a green patch in front of the tent away from all worldly comforts and it made me so mad with happiness that eventually it made me dance, barefoot and ecstatic amongst the shooting stars.

This memory has not left me and as I've grown older and I have always wanted to share a similar experience with my own family.

Often when people asked me why I take my small children to these far off exotic places, I was brief with my response; my most common retort was to say that when they grow up and can afford to visit these places, what we can see now would be gone.

People often say that it was such a waste of money because they will never remember what they have seen. Clearly I did not believe them as I have dragged my children to some of the most remote destinations, sharing our experiences, our responsibilities and we always came back enriched and energised.

We never came upon a Meteor shower together but we have seen the most spectacular wonders, met fascinating characters and explored sacred treasures. And sure my boys have forgotten so much of what I have tried to show them but I believe that one day when they are sitting with their own children somewhere quiet in front of the fire they will be able to share just one memory of the time they have shared with me that meant something incredible to them.

With each passing day, time is running outsadly for me the time for sharing experiences with my sons is over, they have their own lives and live their own realities, they prefer the five star comforts to the campfire but I have no regrets, except maybe just one, that the time has gone by so fast for us. So if you have small children and you want to share memories with them, now is the time to do it.

Don't listen to well intentioned advice about waiting till they grow up, do it now while you still can. It does not have to be lavish and exorbitant. How much would a camping trip to a local campsite cost? Or a patch of grass on a farmer's lawn?

Special moments and timeless memories are pricelessthey do not have monetary value but they can leave a lasting impression on your loved ones. If you have been planning a bonding trip, don't delay it. Plan it today and make it happen. Bon Voyage

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