Hand me downs, living vicariously

Do you all remember living with hand me downs? Everyone in the Cain Clan nuclear has had the experience of "Second Hand Rose". It could be the mark of a second class citizen of some sort in the material world view. But in the Cain experience hand me downs is a right of passage even for the parents. This is especially brought to mind as I viewed the pictures of Hawaii sent by Lauren and Sean. In my early married years a trip to Hawaii would have been an unbelievable dream come true. When I was a kid growing up in West Virginia I almost went to the World's Fair with my neighbors, the Spencers. But their neice Beverly decided to go at the last minute. I almost got to go with them to Disney Land, but again Beverly budged me. So almost became almost as good as being there almost.

As you Cain kids grew up I had some other almost experiences that
were enjoyed vicariously through you. Cara went on a cruise and to Cancun. There she saw and explored ancient ruins, another of my dreams in youth. I had wanted to be a National Geographic traveler/writer. Sheryl went to Disney World and I enjoyed the pictures and stories. It was a great vicarious experience. Amber pioneered my
first actual experience with Disney Land decades after I had dreamed of
what I saw on our black and white tv. When I was 48 years old I experienced Disney Land in color for myself. So what if I looked stupid riding Dumbo? It was long overdue. I had been budged enough.

Now I will experience Hawaii vicariously through Lauren. Next time I see her and hug her I will have touched someone who experienced Hawaii.
Hey, Dad and I been driving kids hand me down cars, Natalie's Honda, Lauren's Camry and Zach's Cavalier so almost being in Hawaii is at this point in my life OK. Even better is the fact that my kids are able to enjoy some of my dreams as reality. My Disney experience taught me that often the dream is much better than the actuality in many cases.

The pictures of Hawaii are beautiful, but more beautiful are the pictures of Lauren and Sean enjoying being there together and the memories they will add to the family collection. Hand me downs are not bad because from them is transferred some of the essence and spirit of the original.
owner. How wonderful that is when the owner is someone you love.

Love you all.
Mom