Memories

I recently sat down and thought about the things in my life that are of true value. I made a mental list of what I thought was most valuable in my life, the things that made my time on earth worthwhile or meaningful. Of course there were many things that could compete for the top spots on that list and it was difficult for me to nominate a number one, but I can confidently say that if there was one thing that was a definite top contender it was simply this, “memories”.

Memories don’t get as much credit as they should in our lives considering the importance of the roles they play. They are our most loyal companions, they make us smile, laugh out loud and sometimes cry, they encourage us, keep us on our feet, teach us lessons and help us remember. When all is gone, the people, the promises, the relationships, the moments, we will still have memories to get us through. It is the smile on the widow’s lips, the tear in the lover’s eye, it is the wisdom in the counsel of the aged, it is caution in the adventurer’s step and it is the hope in the hearts of those who believe, because they have been there, they have felt and their memories tell them that it is possible.

If life is a journey then it is our memories that make the journey meaningful. When I look back at all the things that i have accumulated in my memory bank, both good and bad memories, all types of feelings surge through my being, and I can’t help but notice the glaring absence of one feeling, “regret”. Everything in life serves it’s purpose in moulding us. Yes there were bad times, but what has those bad times done to me other than make me stronger, wiser and more cautious. Yes those bad memories have served me well, and what about those sad ones? You mean the ones that have helped me realize that I should never take anyone or anything for granted, the ones that helped me see the fragility of life and relationships and how each day is a gift that will only come our way but once? Yup, those sad memories too have served me well. And should I even begin on the good ones? Those memories that are my constant companions, the ones that cheer me up, the ones that embarrass me because they make me smile to myself, the ones that will be with me long after everything is gone. Yes life is made of such moments.

My point? We spend a lot of our time making things for ourselves that won’t last, we want to make more money, we want to make good impressions, we want to make ourselves more famous, more visible, we want to make more money…did I already say that?  well, trust me, that’s what we spend most of our lives trying to make, yet at the end of the day the money can disappear, a single mistake or incident can overturn years of effort in creating a good impression for ourselves, fame will flee as quickly as it comes and all we will be left with are memories and they will stay with us until the curtains are drawn upon our lives and I’m sure they will be with us at the after party. So why don’t we put aside the mundane, the routine and instead start making memories, good memories, memories that will make us smile when the days are gloomy, memories that will give us strength to take that next step when we’re faced with challenges, memories of moments that though they may last for only a moment, they stay in our hearts forever. Create memories, with our loved ones, family and friends, because the world can take everything from us, but they will never be able to take away those special moments that will be ours forever…we call them memories.

To the dad who toils day in and out to ensure that there’s food on the table for your loved ones, yes you do what you do because of your love for your family, but the reality is, your wife and kids will not remember the number of days you worked tirelessly at your job, but they will remember that one day you decided to stay home and spend the day with the family, playing games, catching a movie together, taking your son on that fishing trip, being there to cheer your daughter on at her school sports event or concert, or simply going shopping. That will be a memory that that they will take with them to their graves and beyond. Do more than create a comfortable life for your family, create memories, for they last longer.

To the mom who labours with the required routine of daily life to ensure that your kids are fed, sent to their classes and have their homework done. Yes you are making a life for them, but truth said they may forget the meals you cooked or the number of times you drove them to school but they will treasure forever the time you spent laughing with them, playing with them, crying with them. Yes invest your time in activities that will become everlasting memories not only in your heart but in the hearts of your children.

To the child who now earns a living, who sends money to your mom or dad to show them you love and respect them, they may forget the amount of money you sent them but they will never forget the day their child visited and took them out for a nice lunch or dinner or even a holiday, trust me they will be talking about it for years to come, because what you did, did not just fulfil a responsibility, it created a fond memory that will remain in their hearts forever.

To those of you who slave at the offices or work places, five, six or even seven days a week because it makes your employers happy, because it grows your business, because it fills your bank account, if you knew your life was going to end tomorrow, what would be on your mind today? Would you be thinking about all those things you should have and could have done but didn’t do because you were too busy making money or pleasing your bosses? It isn’t too late, don’t end our lives with memories of things we didn’t do, but come to the end with a smile on your face as moments, faces and places flash through your mind, fond memories of a life well lived. If you have none as you read this, then it’s never too late to start creating some. Go on that holiday, take time off, spend it with that special someone, do something meaningful for someone else, go the extra mile, make an effort, for memories are made of these.

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