I’ve been into memories recently. Recollections of the past. A sign of aging. I don’t think it stops me “from living in the present.” In fact it enlarges the present. According to John Hanson Mitchell, the present is linked to the past as well as the future. A concept known as “ceremonial time.”
My memories start with my daily journaling. A practice I began in high school on the recommendation of Father Francis Meeham. It’s usually just an account of the previous days events, what I did, where I went, who I contacted, what I thought, maybe what happened in the world, plans for the day. It serves as a memory. I have several other journals that serve as memory tools, one devoted to books, another movies, travel, lists, restaurants even a journal to give each grand child. This week on Cape Cod I’ve taken to reading last years entries.
Another written record is my WordPress blog. Intentionally most posting start with some experience, reading, thought, something in the present that I link to related or similar past experience. For instance on this year’s trip to Cape Cod, we stopped in Ridgefield, CT. The blog I wrote “Connecticut Coast” traced my fifty year experience exploring the coast of Connecticut. We also stopped at a historical site, Weir National Park. It sparked a blog on “Local History Travel” and how I like to read and explore local history when I travel.
My memory clock has been awakened more this past year since I’ve begun scanning my 35 mm slides. I have many albums and Kodak trays filled with slides from my 76 years. Thousands. As I digitize and then organize them on my computer, I take a trip down memory lane. I’ve been sending them to my sisters, sometimes friends and relatives and will increasingly include them in blogs. It’s a multi year project.
Although I’ve slowly begun to either sell or give away books. Several years ago I began a re-read project. About half of what I read is a re-read from my personal library. It’s fascinating to refresh memory and remember my reaction to a book. How much detail do I remember? Why did I like it enough to save it ? Since I only have so many reading years left, I’m trying to be selective. But I have many books to choose from.
I like to sit back in a favorite chair looking on a familiar or natural scene and remember places I’ve been, exceptional meals or experiences. Memories of family, relatives and friends are of utmost importance. When someone I know dies I usually urge those close to savor their memories. A life lived well is worth remembering and celebrating.
I was 76 this past July 24; we’ve been married 56 years. I’m sometimes amazed when I realize, “Oh that happened three, four, five decades ago. Of course some memories are not positive, up-lifting. My mother’s hit and run death, Eli’s neuroblastoma, three floods, my fistula after prostate cancer, the death of close friends and relatives. But they are worth remembering.
Some mornings while I wash up, I give thanks to family, relatives and friends, events and experiences. It’s my prayer. Thankful for all the memories.
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