Remembering

When you get to be my age, you tend to do a lot of remembering.  But how often are we in a situation, something that's creating a memory and we think, "man! I'll never forget this!!"  And yet, somehow we do.

Major events like the day we got married, have a child, its easy to remember the day, the majority of it, but the details seem to scatter away, like leaves on a windy day.

That's how I feel now about other things as well.  Its been 16 years since I moved to Arizona.  Thats a chunk of time! And yet I still feel as if I just got here.  Its been 14 years since I bought my house.  And this year it will be 5 years since my son died. 

Sometimes I think its easier to remember things when you have someone else around who shares your memories.  You mention one aspect of a memory and the other person remembers a different detail and the memory becomes almost alive between you in those moments.  

But its difficult for me remembering my son.  He was my compadre,  we did so many things together!  Some days, the memories are so strong, and with time, other memories seem to be fading.  I try not to let them by journaling.  When I have a memory come to mind, I try to take note of it, and write it down so that I don't forget.  

Today I was remembering how we decided to take a full moon hike in The White Tank Mtns.  It was led by a ranger, there were about 30 of us, and it was pretty nice!  We got there a little early.  I looked over and there was this beautiful rock.  I had to have it, and my son, being the good kid he is said "open the trunk, I'll toss it in."  Its still in my front yard, I don't think I could lift it, as its not a small rock!!! 

Such a small memory, no momentous occasion, no special day, just a gal and her son on an outing that was spur of the moment.  

Sometimes those are the best memories.  Hang on to them!