Memories

I decided to write this post on memories.  It turns out that several happy moments throughout the week start or end in memories.  We have recent memories and long-term ones that have been stored in an archive system somewhere between your heart and brain.  This week I went through several memory retrieval moments. 

The first one occurred while moving  pictures from my old imac to my new mac air.  I am not completely done, but have gone through a couple of years of my daughter's life.  During the process, all the emotions tied to leaving the hospital with a newborn, caring for her and understanding at that moment that your life will never be the same return to you.  When I saw the pictures I remembered how it was and how it is and it makes me happy that I have experienced and continue experiencing the gift it is to raise a child.  It also reminds me that Isabella was once as little as her brother and that I have to take it easy sometimes, because although she has grown and is the best sister in the world she is still my little baby.

The other moment I experienced was watching a video of my baptism that my mom was able to transfer to DVD recently.  This video depicts me as a new baby, first child, grandchild ...  It was really interesting to watch this, because it is not a memory I have, but I am sure it is a memory my grandparents carried with them and one my mom still has stored in her archive.  The video shows my mom and grandparents smiling more than I have ever seen just because I was there.  It felt like I was in a Harry Potter story looking through the pensieve and watching this past history.  I have now created a memory of myself watching someone else's memory and that made me happy.

One final thing that made me smile and remember came from hubby.  We were playing with the kids and writing something down our daughter was dictating to us.  I corrected him on something and he told me "You complete me, " mocking the famous Jerry McGuire quote.  So I asked him if I had him at Hello.  I could not take that one without an answer. =)  He smiled and said I had him at, "It depends."  That took me back 12 years ago.  We met in college and I had a ring on my finger in class and he asked me if I was engaged.  My answer to him was, "It depends on who is asking."  Going back and reliving that moment was amazing and remembering our courtship that lead to our union was even better.

Lesson of the day:  Cherrish your memories, as they are part of who you are. Create new memories for you and your loved ones as they will always bring a smile to your face.  You Happy?