Lions and Tigers and Bears - Oh My!! Memphis Zoo Jan 2011

The Memphis Zoo has come a long way since 1906 when the Memphis Park Commission allocated $1,200 to establish the Memphis Zoo.  It all started with 23 simple cages and a row of concrete bear dens.  Today the zoo has flourished into a crown jewel for Memphis and is ranked the top zoo in the country.  
Not sure if the original concrete bear dens are the ones that were there in the late 70's - but as I walked past them (no longer in use since they built The Northwest Passage and Teton Trek) the other day I remembered them like I was there yesterday - the memories of being a little girl at the zoo came back to me so easily!!  The starting path to the zoo is now closed off (revamped with a new one) but with the old starting path the first thing you would walk past was the beautiful polar bears and grizzlies- as Austin and I walked past the old concrete bear dens it looked so much smaller then when I was there at probably  5 or 6 years old.  I remember the ride to the zoo in the ole Grand Prix as much as I remember my mother putting my hair up in pigtails and begging my dad to carry me at the zoo!!!!!  Not to mention along with my little brother crying the whole time we were there - yes he was famous for crying alot - such a mommies boy!!!  Amazing how when we were small children,  places looked so  huge compared to how they really look to us as adults.  As we we wandered by each exhibit-the memories kept flashing back in my mind to when I was 5 or 6 years old as much as the memories of when Austin was 3 and we took him to the zoo.  I had to say a little prayer right then and there and ask God to help slow down the years because they are flying by way to fast and it will be no time and Austin will be my age.
It was a beautiful day to enjoy the blessings that God granted us that day!  I thank God each day that he has allowed me the grace, unselfishness and love that I have for my child.  In this world our children need our time and love - it is an essential need for all children!! 
As Austin continues to get older - I find myself wanting to spend more time with him than ever - although I have always spent alot of time with him, here lately I just cannot believe he is 15 and wonder where did the years go-but at the same time I can remember every milestone he has had!  I was thankful as well that my 15 year old wanted to spend the day with me-knowing there would not be a lot of days left that he would want to hang out with me for the day - little on at the zoo!!!!  I treasured every minute!!!!!
So just as the zoo started so many years ago with a few simple cages and a few concrete bear dens and has now flourished to a childrens wonderland of animals, many people can look back at their childhood memories they had there with a smile............as my prayer is for Austin, I hope he can look back one day, smile and remember our times together at the Memphis Zoo.