Happy Memories

Having fun. That’s all I truly wanted to do as a kid. Being around the friends and family, celebrating birthdays or holidays, getting toys and specially designed cakes; all aspects that transports me back to the nostalgic past. As you can clearly see in the picture, I’m making my emotions known. On my 4^th birthday I had the tremendous privilege to celebrate another progressive year of my life with my friends and family back when I lived in Dundas, Canada. Dundas was a small town; everyone knew each other and were friendly as can be. Right as I sprung up from my Lightning McQueen-designed bed, I put on my Lightning McQueen socks, shoes, and backpack, and quickly urged my mom to drive my siblings and I to school. I loved the reception everyone had when it was someone’s birthday. The entire community made that person the center of attention, and for kids, that meant the world. As I walked into my pre-school class, I was instantly met with a roaring round of applause, then with a collective cheer, as all the kids began to sing me Happy Birthday. I remember trying to play the “cool-guy” character, acting like nothing fazed me, but as the picture shows, that facade quickly vanished. I relished in every opportunity to express my innocent happiness. The day only got better. During recess, I looked out of the window, as I saw what I believed to me my family’s car pull into the school parking lot. I was confused to say the least. After diverting my attention away from my curiosity, I saw my family walk through the doors of the classroom; my sisters holding plates, forks, and hats, and my mother holding a white cardboard box. My teacher instructed all of the kids to sit down on the carpet and ushered me to stand in front of the class, by a large table. My mom dropped the box on the table, and slowly opened it. As the lid of the box slowly opened, I became more and more intrigued, wondering what could be in it. As she lifted the top, a Lightning McQueen cake revealed itself, with icing spelling out “Happy 4^th Birthday Yousef”. I jumped up and down with uncontrollable excitement, as I made my unrealistic affinity for the movie Cars clear to all. As a kid, I had an unwavering obsession with the Cars franchise; my bed, clothing, toys, and bag were all Cars related. According to my family, I would watch that movie once, sometimes even twice a day, for many, many years. The rest of the day was experienced with pure joy. I had the cake of my dreams; all while being surrounded by the people I admired most in the world. I have to say, looking back was truly a trip down memory lane, and I wouldn’t want it any other way.