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As I look back on my childhood, there are certain memories that stand out like shining beacons of love and joy. One of the most vivid is the image of my beautiful mama, her face alight with happiness as she watched me unwrap my Christmas presents. This past Christmas was the first without her, and her absence was deeply felt. My mom always went above and beyond to ensure that I had everything I wanted on Christmas, even though we didn’t have much money. I’ll never forget the year I received the original Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). It was a moment that would shape my life in ways I couldn’t have imagined.
Growing up in the ’80s and early ’90s, there weren’t many electronics to keep us occupied. We didn’t have cell phones or social media to distract us from the world around us. Instead, we spent our days outside, playing until the streetlights came on and it was time to head home. But when we did have indoor time, the Nintendo NES was our constant companion. It brought us together for late-night gaming sessions and created memories that would last a lifetime.
I can honestly say that I never knew we were poor because my mom spoiled me whenever she could. She worked hard to provide for us and made sure that I had the things that mattered most. Over the years, I received many gaming systems on Christmas morning, but none were as memorable as the Nintendo NES. Even though I only had a dozen or so games over the course of 10 years (due to their high cost), I cherished every single one of them. They were more than just games; they were portals to new worlds and adventures.
The game I was holding in the photo was Dragon Warrior 1, the original JRPG and the first of its kind. Along with The Legend of Zelda, Dragon Warrior sparked my love for all things fantasy, which has stayed with me into adulthood. These games taught me the value of perseverance, problem-solving, and the power of imagination. They were more than just entertainment; they were life lessons disguised as pixelated adventures.
As I reflect on my childhood and the role my mom played in shaping it, I am filled with gratitude and love. She may no longer be with us physically, but her spirit lives on in the memories we created together. I try my best to give my own children the same magical experiences she gave me, to show them the love and dedication that she showed me every single day.
Thank you, Mom, for all the good memories, for the sacrifices you made, and for the love you gave so freely. The Nintendo NES may have been the greatest creation of my childhood, but you were the greatest blessing of my life. I miss you every day, but I know that you’re watching over us, just as you always have. This tribute is for you, and for all the moms out there who make magic happen, even in the toughest of times.
