“Memory is a way of holding on to the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose.” – Kevin Arnold
They lie frozen, shelved in some remote corner of our mind, until a spark awakens them. We refer to them as memories. These dormant experiences, sometimes from decades ago, are brought to life by certain triggers such as our senses, returning to familiar places, memorabilia, and scripted accounts of such experiences. Recently, I was exposed to a heavy dose of the latter trigger.
In one of our many bookshelves, nestled between larger books, I discovered two hardcover journals. These journals date back to around forty years ago, and contain my personal, documented accounts of my family’s experiences—especially with our children. So, in dusting them off, it was discovered that they were permeated with items glued to the pages, along with accompanying personal descriptions.
Opening the book and reading the various entries instantly rekindled memories and emotions of those particular points in time. But, it also sparked and unleashed a torrent of long-forgotten moments. Suddenly, the walks, trips, sporting and winter sledding events, and other family experiences returned. Thus, the dust of time was seemingly swept away.
So, for those of you whom I have piqued an interest in doing as I have, here are some suggestions to create your own documented memories.
- Journal – Purchase one with a hard cover and a strong binding. This will enhance the odds that your script will stay intact and not deteriorate.
- Pens – When scripting, the usage of pens vs. pencils is most preferable and beneficial, as the longevity of the writing will be increased.
- Regimentation – One must attempt to be cognizant and diligent about entering notes and experiences. This may not be every day, but only occasionally. Find a rhythm that suits you. I sometimes did not have an entry for months at a time.
- Other individuals – These documented memories can be created not only by parents, but also by grandparents and other relatives as well. Maybe you know someone you can encourage to get involved in this type of memory recording.
In closing, today there are numerous ways to save your memories, and I too have utilized them as well. But, to physically place pen to paper adds such a personal touch. By journaling with pen and paper, the various nuances, words canceled, and phrases added creates a unique memory, whereas in typing, an item is sterile and lacks this distinct characteristic. So, take the time to chronicle family memories as your gift for future generations to enjoy, and He would approve of this. May God bless all of you on this new endeavor.
