Diary of an ex-banker: A very personal blog post
I have very few childhood memories before the age of 11. In fact, I could easily count them on one hand. But perhaps stranger, you could say that my first childhood memory is of before I was born.
Let me explain.
There is a gap of nearly 6 years between my sister and I. Part of the reason for leaving it so long before having a second child is that my mother had a very difficult pregnancy and first few years with my sister.
My parents were concerned that they would have to go through the same experience again if they had another child. Eventually, they decided to take the risk. But the worry was never far from their thoughts over those nine months.
Late one evening, around Christmas time (I was born in January), my father came home to my heavily pregnant mother. She was asleep in bed.
Before continuing, I should emphasise that my father is a pretty down to Earth guy and not at all religious or spiritual. To my knowledge, the only time he goes to church is for weddings, christenings and funerals.
Anyway, as my father tells the story, he came home that cold winter’s night and immediately went upstairs to check on my mother. So as not to disturb her, he crept into the bedroom quietly and didn’t switch the light on. She was lying on her back in bed. To his great surprise, as he entered the room he saw a shimmering angel floating above her belly. The angel’s presence was comforting rather than frightening. The angel spoke to him softly and told him that everything would be alright with the birth and the baby. There was nothing for him to worry about.
I can’t remember what age I was when my father told me the story, but it’s always given me comfort and made me feel a little special. Until now I’ve shared it with only a handful of people.
But a few years ago I told a close friend the story. After mulling over my words, she commented that the most likely explanation was that my father came home late one night after having had a good few whiskys and he fell asleep. Naturally, the pregnancy was on his mind and dreamt the whole thing!
That was my bubble well and truly burst.
But I wonder, was my experience unique?
Have you been told any cherished stories as a child that, as an adult, you realised were probably not true?
Please share your experiences below or take our Facebook poll.
Originally published at jsixq.com on August 21, 2018.
