Earlier today, I had a profound conversation with a friend of mine that left me reflecting on the true value of memories as we grow older. One of the things that she shared was, “As we get older, memories appreciate.”
Her statement resonated deeply with me and made me realize how memories become even more valuable as time passes. While most things depreciate with time, memories appreciate.
Immediately, I was transported back to my childhood. I was reminded of the times I visited my grandpa. One of the first things I always wanted to do upon entering his place was sit in one of the rocking chairs next to him and listen to him share stories about his past. I was eager to learn about his younger self, his adventures, and the experiences that shaped him into the person he was. I remember flipping through old photo albums, trying to connect the dots between the stories he shared and the faces in the pictures.
Looking back, I now understand that my desire to revisit my grandpa’s past came from a longing to know more, to deepen our connection. However, it was also driven by an important realization that one day he wouldn’t be there to tell those stories.
Today’s conversation with my friend helped me gain an even greater appreciation for the power of memories in my life. It reminded me of the importance of preserving these moments, whether through conversations, photographs, or personal reflections.
They are the essence of who we are.
Hence, why my desire to create and allow others to experience Moments Worth Remembering has been so great. It is my belief that the memories we create today will one day become our most treasured possessions.
Very often we find articles or speeches that describe memories as something that limits our life’s drive towards the future or to enjoy the present.
I agree that we must always look forward as well as live fully in the present because time does not go back.
But that doesn’t detract from the memories.
With its lights and its shadows, the past, memories are an invaluable source of knowledge and, therefore, it is good to take a pleasant break to visit it, to remember. Without useless regrets, without trapping ourselves in the banal observation of the natural law of passing time, without shifting our gaze always and only backwards. Instead, we need to cultivate memory naturally, without wasting it, with and for the pleasure of doing it.
Memory is narration, a story shared with others (who in turn have to remember and to tell), and therefore has a disruptive effect against loneliness. Memory is history, individual, family and collective.
On the other hand, time is linear, it has a before, a during and an after. And it is not circular, wrapped in an eternal present. Being aware of this natural dimension of time means taking the first but decisive step along the road that leads to the pleasure of memories.
I distinctly remember my sister and I, jumping into our grandparents big beds, crying “grandma, grandpa, tell us about when you were kids.” And then grandma with her long gray braid tied with a black ribbon would get up and go make breakfast which was some brand name cereal for sis and me that we never got at home so that in itself was a treat, while grandpa told us about going fishing in the peat bog lakes and getting chased by the local bull.
Do memories appreciate, or do we appreciate them more, once the fluff and superficiality of our younger adult headless chicken years are past us and we have learned how the big moments often come in such tiny portions that one might miss them – or they may have been kept linked together with the loving memory of a long deceased grandparent.
Oleg, your wonderful recollection took me back to times with own beloved grandfather. He and I were best pals. I always felt loved, seen, heard, and cherished when I was with him. His death marked the transition to real life for me. Those memories do indeed appreciate. Thanks for sharing this, and welcome to the group. Can’t wait to hear more from you!
Welcome Welcome Oleg to this amazing community of writers, poets, artists and difference makers!
I also believe that our memories are a part of the tapestry of who we are…the good, the bad and everything in between.
And in the end, it is truly all we take with us.
Your personal history is fascinating. Can’t wait to see what other nuggets of gold you bring to the collective.
So glad you are here!
Thank you for your kind words. I appreciate the warm welcome and look forward to sharing this space with all of you!
Memories do shape us, Oleg — both good and bad. My best ones are from watching my dad with his friends, with his employees — with anyone, actually — and seeing the way others responded to his warmth, unusual back in the days when “MEN WERE MEN” and rarely showed his kind of warmth in public.
I also have strong memories of my Aunt Kit, a lovely woman (my mother’s baby sister) who was also full of love and caring, having been an infant when her own mother died, so she never knew the trauma of losing her. She was my rock all my growing up.
Without those two remarkable folks … I’d surely be a hugely different woman today.
Thank you for sharing! Your response reminds me of the impact so many people have had on my life. I don’t know how you view life or the people in it, but I view it in chapters. I can for the most part pinpoint the lessons or skills each one of the people in my life helped me see. Even the people that I didn’t share a deep connection with. The one thought or word that left a profound impact. All of this goes to what I believe to be a universal truth. We all impact each other in one way or another. The impact may not always be visible or known, but I do believe it is there.