As I have been approaching my 35th birthday for the last few years, one internal exercise I force on myself is to try to determine exactly what my reasoning is for choosing not to have children. There are many reasons, which I have known my entire life, but I like to torture myself by reviewing the reasons just to make sure I haven't decided anything rashly or prematurely (like, say, at age 10). One reason I have come to realize is that I absolutely cannot bear childhood disappointment. It's one of those things that tears me up inside, including the reliving of my own. The optimistic innocence and eventual dashing of childhood dreams is excruciating to bear witness to.
Anyhoo, one of the more trivial but nonetheless memorable disappointments of my own childhood involved my dream of owning a Magic Merlin. My parents seemed to have no idea what sorts of things I liked, along with an inability to read my mind and know that all I wanted in the world in 1980 (could have been 1979, not sure) was a Magic Merlin. I remember for Christmas that year there was even a box that looked about the right size for a Merlin, but I opened it and it was something else (probably a doll, and I didn't like dolls).
So fast-forward about 25 years, and for Christmas 2005 my best friend sent me a box with her own Magic Merlin inside (with the original instruction booklet!). Enclosed was the following note:
"Childhood dreams can always come true! I have been meaning to send you this - I didn't make the connection until a year or two ago. I only got a Merlin because of my Uncle, otherwise I do not believe my mom would have thought it the best. I have probably had this for 20+ years. Thought I'd share it with you as I remember playing it tons..."
She knew I had always wanted one and hadn't realized that she had one all this time. It was the best gift ever! Until I put the 6 batteries in it and it wouldn't turn on. Drat! So, does anyone know how to fix one of these? My 9 year old self would love you forever.
2 comments:
so, we found dave's old merlin the other day at his parents house (along with battleship and some other ancient hand held video games). it didn't work but...get this...dave's dad FIXED IT. so maybe he wouldn't mind fixing yours too? i will ask him, 'kay? otherwise, i guess i might let you play with mine! (evil laugh)
I remember getting one of these for christmas when I was 10 (I just turned 35 last yr) I loved that thing!!! Wow how nice to have a flash back while a work! Props! Wish I still had one and may have to Ebay it!
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