Memories are strange things. We can go for months or even years without being reminded of an event, of a moment, or even of a person. Then in an instant we are once again aware. Momentarily transported to a place and time that has since past. Brought on by a catalyst, usually that of a scent, a place, an individual, a song or simply a word. However the memory arises, one thing is certain- memories are powerful. Without them it’s as though the past never happened. I was recently visiting my home town when my friends and I decided that it would be fun to have our dinner at our old high school. We hadn’t stepped foot in the grounds in several years, yet once we did our surroundings became increasingly familiar, soon it was as though we had never left. As we shared our dinner under dim lighting, we were haunted by the eerie silence of the deserted playground and memories of our past selves. We were reminded of many things, simple things, of seeming insignificant moments that would go on to subtly shape and define the course of our lives, and the people we’ve become. Our glances travelled from left to right, we were silent as we allowed our memories to come to life and take us back to the simple days. We exchange stories of times elapsed, and surprised ourselves at all that we remembered. Once again we are sixteen. Once again we are in the line for the canteen, sharing whispers in class, dreaming big yet preoccupied by schoolyard politics and things of little matter. The noise of a passing car brings us back to the present time; we take a moment to adjust to the current scene.
Memories allow us to remember where we’ve come from, they add validity to moments.
