It's funny how memories trigger memories. We were fortunate enough to spend a little time with family over Thanksgiving. In visiting, the post I wrote a couple of days ago about Grandpa's old barn came up (proof that some in the family read what I post -- probably to see what cockamamie thing I might come up with). I need to go back and fill in the other items that everyone remembered about the barn now! Mom even pulled out an old photo of the barn that she had used as a model for painting it.
I think memories are important. I'm not sure why reminiscing about the past is such a strong tendency, but I'm sure some psychologist somewhere has written a paper or two related to it. It is something we do when we are with others who we may not see on a regular basis. Sometimes it is something we do in moments of reflection when we are alone and perhaps "feeling sorry" for ourselves. There must be some deep-seated psychological need that it fills.
I bring it up for this point: We need to create strong, positive experiences for our children and grandchildren. They will become a reservoir to be called upon in times of sorrow, or defeat. They are the glue that binds family and friends in many ways. They are important.
Family get-togethers are important. Cousins spending time playing in the back yard builds memories. Photographs and written records, in time, become keys to unlocking those memories and making them available to meet unforeseen needs. Sometimes holidays can bring negative memories as well; I am sure they are also important. Those negatives include lessons and point to opportunities.
Our society is extremely self-oriented. Such orientation is a short-term view. We need to shift our emphasis to the longer term and invest in the next generations. Make your life count by providing those positive experiences.
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