Memories

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Memories never come alone. They are always accompanied. One leads to another and to yet another. Trips down memory lane can be daunting. Like walking an unlit path. The shadows are dark and deepening. Until, far ahead, there is a light showing the traveler where to go.
Memories can be stubborn. They come unbidden, unlooked for, and unwanted. And while we might prefer to push them back and keep them buried, we would do better to deal with them head on.
Recently, I received a message that an old friend had transitioned. We had not been in touch for two years. She had mentioned she was not doing well. Had broken off the friendship and wouldn’t/couldn’t discuss what was going on. I had tried contacting her, but she never responded. I had no choice but to accept that. I closed the book. Or, at least I thought I did.
That one message set in motion a train of feelings, thoughts, and rememberings. The funny things we held in common. The sadness and the losses we shared. All the conversations and ‘gossip’. The way I feel over her passing and how our friendship concluded inconclusively. The things left unresolved.
The good news is that every day we can make new memories. Being conscious of how you spend your day, how you interact with other people, contributes to the moments we create. Everyday we're given the opportunity to craft tomorrow's memories, not just our own, but also those of others we meet. Every little bit counts. It all amasses to something more. Every kindness matters and is the one thing least likely to ever be forgotten.
People may not remember exactly what you looked like, how your voice was, but they will remember how you made them feel.