Time and memories

Memories are the process by which we retain and store information. During the last two years, we have retained a variety of information. Some filled with uncertainty, fear, unimaginable circumstances and others filled with joy, warmth, lifetime implications and derived from things made in movies. Whether you were secluded with people you loved and wanted to be with or people you wanted to get away from, memories were made. Our memories will help us heal, restore, reflect and hopefully make better choices and move forward. I would like to share one of my earliest memories:

I must have been around 6 or 7 years old. On First Sundays we would be at Town Creek and I would be a little mischievous. I would catch my Mom’s eyes and she would beckon for me to come. But just before I went to her, I would look at Ben Jack, and he would say, “Leave her ‘lone.” I would sit next to him and about ten Deacons in the Amen Corner, chew gum, and eat peppermint during church service. They all smelled like tobacco and peppermint. I didn’t know a lot and there were not many people on the planet who could change my Mom's mind, but Ben Jack could. What I did not know was why. My Mom was about 37 or 38 years old and Ben Jack was older, smaller, balder and my Great Grandfather. He was her Grandfather and she loved him, respected him, she would smile and just shake her head.

These deep memories are at our core and they are often our first memories, they seem to ground us. My memories center around love, respect and family. I would like to ask that you take a moment to remember, reflect and recall your early memories. Ponder them! What is your take away? Do you need to filter some of your old memories? How will this help you to make new memories? Do you have the ability to determine your future memories? Does this help you lean toward making memories that make our world better? Little decisions and choices matter. No one can change the past but we do have a significant impact on our future by the choices we make. Embrace time and make memories that will be worthy and impactful for your good and the betterment of our society.

Written by: Gwendolyn Unoko, Director of Community Programs, City Neighbors Foundation