Reunions

Damn, was that another week that just flew by...

I just saw some pictures on Facebook of yet another of my High School reunions that I didn't attend. People smiling, enjoying a moment together, being who they once were one more time, their wonderful lived faces beaming; a few whom I now only vaguely remember mixed with the few that I will never forget.

Funny thing memory ... our lives and destiny plays out before us and occasionally we rewind in the mind's eye vignettes of those moments, good and bad, reliving events and emotions for as many reasons as there are memories. It seems to me however that each time we hit the rewind button the details of those memories get a little altered, like some photocopy that over the course of time loses more and more of the original's detail. Things that happened around us and to us fade with each viewing, perhaps to better suit our inner dialogue, or our changing perspectives on self and others, until inevitably it is truly a unique memory, different from the memories of that moment held by others.

I guess reunions are a way to retouch those memories, bring them back into sharper focus. For some I suppose they relish the opportunity to share those memories to replay the scenes of their lives, to be with those who lived their time, to be remembered as they were, or at least as they wish they were. While others.... maybe not so much. They have little desire to be reminded of their story, good or bad, for these few the past is better left behind.

I'm not one of the latter, although I'm certainly not judging that choice, for me memories are powerful stories ... stories that can continue to shape our lives. If used wisely these vignettes of life can become the touchstones to a life well lived, no matter if the memory was good or bad  ... but if used poorly memories can hold you back from your potential.

On the other hand memories, and in particular sharing memories, can be well.... just plain fun ... sorry I missed you guys!

 PS   Cathy, you are as beautiful today as you were when you were seventeen.