This morning, I awoke with a curious thought. Access to my memory vault has been limited lately, so it feels almost magical when early memories surface, bringing their vivid details with them.

So I indulged my mind in a trip back in time.

Such as…..

Watching the funeral parade for President John F. Kennedy and the riderless horse with boots facing to the rear in the stirrups on our black and white tv. I also remember JFK’s son in Marine Dress Blues saluting his father’s horse.

Next memory….

Watching my favorite shows on TV – what comes to mind this morning are My Favorite Martian, Mr. Ed (the talking horse), and Lost in Space – I can even remember the robot’s voice as it screamed, “Danger, Will Robinson,” but for some reason, I can’t hear Mr. Ed’s voice.

Next memory….

My first day of school as a kindergartner and having my name changed because there were 5 other boys also named Mark – so I became Allen – my middle name. I remember the day later in the school year when there was a lot of excitement in the school – it seemed a substitute teacher called my real name – I didn’t answer, so they thought I was lost.

The excitement was a fun break from class.

I have given up actively seeking out these old memories, but now they come to me like those flashcards we used in school to memorize our multiplication tables.

Not only does a memory flash before me – I feel somehow teleported to that time – it’s odd, I know – but doesn’t happen so much once I have my coffee.

So what’s your earliest memory?