Time never changes the memory

I was fiddling around today on the computer and came across some pictures that I am very grateful to have and it reminded me I needed to get back into my scrapbooking. Those pictures are just quick reminders of those times and time can never change that memory. In fact, those pictures solidify what we recall from times gone past in case we have forgotten some minor details. Regardless of how old we get, how distance separates us, or how less we talk, time will never change the memory. It is easy to forget because the memory seems to be long gone. Seconds turn into minutes that turn into hours that turn into days that turns into years. And then those moments are gone. Forever. But I can chuckle about when our sons did funny things when they were younger or how excited they were when we brought the new puppy home. I remember the day I got married like it was yesterday and when I first moved to Nebraska. As much as time steals from me that I can never get back, it can never take my memories. Some are mine alone and others are shared, but either way they exist and certain ones have left an inprint on me that will never wash away. I exist because of those memories and my experiences that led up to them and proceeded after them. Hold your memories close...because sometimes that is all you have and time will not discriminate who it takes moments from in this world. Memories will come in many ways...pictures taken, words spoken, songs heard...feelings will take you back and you will remember that memory.

Take time to remember....

Life happens so fast. I remember one of my sons saying that his present life is like a video or DVD - happening in real time and his past are comprised of snapshots of what his memory affords him. Some things we remember, others we do not because we were too young or because of our advancing age, we are now too old. Ironic, isn't it? One of my ways to preserve those "snapshots" is through scrapbooking. I have not done it in some time as new projects and other priorities have recently taken most of my time. I will get back into it soon as I am several years behind, and get more behind as the minutes and days go by. That, I cannot change or stop. We also like to share stories of when the boys were little that they do not remember and now they have those stories to share with their friends and their kids, too. We also tell them about when we were dating and how we met so they know that story. I think it is important to tell stories of our past. It reminds of where we were. Now, some memories might bring pain and sorrow and it may take you back there, but that is not a bad thing. It happened. You felt. It's over. You are not. Other great things have happened as well. We love those "snapshots." Our yesterdays have been combined to bring us where we are...right now. There are things that I never want to forget and so I try to remember them, even if I think they are dumb and no one understands why. Sometimes, they make me cry and others make me laugh. I often remember where I was when something was decided or done. I have a list of such things, events, and funny sayings and although a certain song inspired it, the list keeps growing. In fact, I hope that I can keep adding to the list for a very long time. That list is my little "scrapbook" of memories and sometimes I need to take time to remember every now and then. Do you take time to remember? Really allow yourself to go back in time and feel that memory? I have found that certain words or a song might trigger a memory and then my emotions come to the surface...I find tears welling up more often than they used to, that's for sure. Your connection to those special pieces will always be with you and your reason for being is forever tied to them. Share your memories with others and your story will be forever be instilled in the people that are closest to you. I once asked someone if she would remember me...I know she will. Today, this posting is about those people, events, and places that are forever a part of you. They are what make you YOU. Remember who you are and the sum of the memories that brought you to today.

Memories Made

How was your holiday weekend? Mostly speaking, this one was for the books, but great times were had with pictures, hugs, laughs, and even a few fireworks thrown in. With the hustle and bussle of every day life, remember to have fun and make memories. Not just for you, but for those that you love most. Saturday night, my husband and I went to a retirement party for Rocky. No, she is not hanging up her running shoes, but she is beginning a new adventure and it was a HUGE success. Great food, a band, fireworks, and wonderful people made the night amazing and one that we will remember. Forever. Last night, my husband grilled ribs and shrimp as we watched out boys play wiffle ball in the front yard, just like when they were younger. They also played a little hoop in between setting off their wares from the fireworks stands. I brought out the camera and tried to capture those memories that might be long forgotten had I not hold onto it for just a moment. Like is so quickly passing us by that every moment, every smile, every post will trigger a memory in someone, somewhere. What are you doing in your life that you are proud of and want your family to remember about you? That your house was always clean? No, thanks. That you raised good kids? That you found something that made you happy, even against the odds, did it anyway? My wish for you is that you start taking your today and make your tomorrow part of the memories you will treasure forever. We never know if we have tomorrows but we have today...right now...and regardless of what it brings, you will always have memories. Treasure them. Keep them close. Smile about them and share them with others.

Childhood came today

Today, Rocky and I went to run, but ended up talking and walking. We get different things when we are together in the morning. When we run, we get into shape and work on getting to be where we want to by physically. On our walks and talks, we learn more about each other and laugh and share life's trials and goofy stories and happenings. Our walk today started a little later than normal and it was a nice change to see the sun come up instead of always being "in the dark". As we approach a neighborhood park, she says, "Do you know how long it has been since I have been on a swing?" So, I said, "Let's go" and we got on the swings. I am sure that if anyone was watching these two 40+year old ladies get on the park swings, they must have thought it was quite funny. And then we talk and swing and talk and swing. Like we were 7 or 8 years old. Funny thing is that we did not know each other then, but it was like we went back to that time. Like we would have been friends even then, and it would have seemed normal. A time when life was simple and there were no worries, no responsibilities, just in the moment of life, whatever that would bring you. As we moved our legs back and forth and as we went higher in the air, I slightly laughed to myself as how we got there. After we got off, we decided that the seats were not very comfortable and might not be build for mature people like us. Maybe the seats are for 7 and 8 year olds. It was a special moment, and one that I will never forget. For a few minutes, it was like two little girls were doing what we would have done had we met many years ago. Talking, laughing, and swinging on park swings...like 7 years old girls do. Thanks, Rock, for taking us back to a much simpler time...if even for a few minutes.