Ah, the Woolly Mammoth. This is one of those early childhood memories I have that is completely detached from any useful context. I had no idea where I was (the Royal British Columbia Museum), what city I was in (Victoria), why I was there (my parents, and maybe grandparents, took me there), or what exactly was going on (I'm still not sure of this) - all I remember is being face to face with a giant. Or to be more precise, a mammoth. The idea that there could be such a big creature made quite an impression on me. I remember being a little bit scared of it at first, but it quickly became my favourite part of the museum - and remains so to this day.
This is why it was such a treat to take my daughter to the museum and introduce her to the mammoth. She seemed to have a somewhat similar reaction to the one I remember. She was hesitant at first, and quietly said to me, "It's biiig." She didn't want to get too close, but was pretty captivated by it. She was pretty good about posing for pictures, as long as she could check on it every once in a while. I think she came to the conclusion that it was sleeping, although I tried telling her that it was stuffed.
And yes, it did seem a lot smaller to me as an adult than it did as a kid, but I really enjoyed seeing it loom hugely once more, through Sophie's eyes.
P.S. A very big (mammoth, even) thanks to Grandma and Grandpa for taking us all to the museum! A good time was had by all.
2 comments:
Awesome (in more than one way!). I think you should post this on Child Process as well!
Aw, this is a great story! What fun to share such a childhood memory with Sophie.
Post a Comment