LifeCatching

Reflecting on the past often occurs when we hit a bump in the road. A birth, a death, a new career or marriage. The choice to save those memories can have great significance, building self-esteem, being a link to one's family history, or paying tribute to a life lived. I'd like to hear about the value you have derived from sharing memories with others.

For me, sharing memories of both the good and difficult times helps me to remember them, enabling me to not forget those little details that really meant (and still mean) something to me. I worry sometimes that my memories of my father will melt into one another and slowly fade away, and I find that sharing them, whether with a friend, family member, or journal, helps me to keep those memories vivid and strong. Sharing these memories has also helped me to focus more on the good than the bad, while at the same time allowing me to connect with others who understand what I have gone through, and providing a window to those who haven't gone through something similar. I enjoy sharing my fond memories of my father with my friends, as it gives them insight into who I am and why, and it spreads the wonderful things he brought to this world even further. I'm often sadened by the thought that his grandchildren will never get to meet him, and that I have close friends who never had the pleasure of getting to know him, but at least I have these cherished memories to share. His grandchildren will be able to learn from the teachings he shared with me, even though he's no longer here.

To me, sharing memories means that it's easier to feel like a part of something. Whenever I hear someone's memories, whether through Respectance or in-person, I feel like I am learning what motivates and engages them. And I'm really grateful to get to hear the story and be a part of their lives. It sorta means your doing something right and valuable as a friend. There's a certain amount of trust that goes into sharing something from the past and it also gives us a way to share what we want for the future. Thanks for being a part of this Barbara.