We were in Walmart a couple of days ago and found Ding Dongs. Haven't seen them in years! I was so excited that I couldn't leave the store without a box. If you've never heard of these fabulous delights or never had the pleasure of eating them I'll explain. They are little round Devil's food cakes with creme filling, covered in a chocolate coating. I'm sure you've had something similar like Ho Hos, Devil Squares, or Swiss Rolls. The thing about these little heart attacks in a package is that they share some common threads. They have no nutritional value, something better tasting can be found at any area bakery, and they all remind us of childhood. That's the hook. I can remember eating Ding Dongs and loving every bit of that crusty outside chocolate and gooey, fluffy middle. MOTH feels the same way about Twinkies. I happen to loathe Twinkies but it conjures up a great childhood memory for him. A small, tasty little memory.
The point is that these are the little things kids remember and take with them into adulthood. It doesn't have to be a huge trip or gift. It's a Twinkie or a Ding Dong. I asked my kids what some of their favorite memories are from their short little childhoods and they came up with going to get ice cream together, memories of a favorite teacher, and favorite dishes that I make. Little things. I am going to eat a Ding Dong and although I realize it might not taste quite the same as it did when I was a kid, it will be wonderful because it's not just a sweet....it's a Ding Dong. Sometimes we get so caught up in trying to outdo everybody we forget it's small memories that last, as well as the big ones. Ask your kids what their favorite memory is so far. You might be surprised by what you hear.
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