Do you remember or do you not forget?

My lovely nephew stood at the Torah last weekend and brought another source of pride to our family.  He read in Hebrew so confidently and with such assurance in his words that we all sat beaming.  

The Rabbi spoke of remembrances and how an event like this helps us to remember our own commitments; and of course this got me thinking... Of how We experience life in stages and in simultaneous events that seem to never end...a series of overlapping occasions.  

When is it that I remember stories of my childhood? What triggers my thoughts? Is it the smell of juice that brings on my memory of Hawaiin Punch?  Just how much sugar did I add to the Kool-Aid pitcher? The smell of freshly mowed grass that takes me back to playing "Ditch Em" at Madeline Park...(I've hung upside down from everyone of those trees)...sometimes I smell paste.  You know it; twist off the lid and use an orange stick to spread it on your construction paper flowers that you're  making for a Mother's Day card.

Looking at old photographs helps me remember... birthday  parties, family pets, vacations, loved ones still with us and some whom are not; let's take a moment to remember.

Brain research links remembrances with emotions...  The stronger the emotion and the more we remember.  

I remember taking a nickel from my mom's purse... All I wanted was some candy and all she wanted was to make sure the laundry was done... Remembering my very bruised punishment is something  I'll never forget.

"You're making me live"...Queen takes me back...who's your best friend?  " I really love the things that you do".... 

Vicki and Ginger...  I will never forget the ridiculously obnoxious things we did...not only do I remember but I will never forget.

Ummm, have you ever tried to dry out your eyeballs upside down under your bed with a blow dryer? Who has used perfume as a breath freshener? Vicki!!  You're swift!! 

Where are you??? I will search the four corners of this Earth to find you because I can never forget...."You're Swift!!!"

Do you remember? Or do you try not to forget?  

I'll always remember the days my children were born; but I did forget the pain.  

I remember Christmas Eve at my grandparents house; Cornish hens, fruit ornaments, strange jellos, and cousins that still make me laugh.

I remember wanting to be an archeologist...I'll never forget reading about Egyptian Pyramids...

So.  Do you remember? Or do you not forget?  Is there a difference?  

I can remember so many wonderful moments of my life... And some I try and forget. But no matter how hard I try; there are things I can't forget.  

Those memories are buried.  I may never forget them but I don't have to remember them either.  

Whatever you need to do, you should remember that forgetting has consequences.  Remembering has power.  

There are things I would love to forget... No matter how hard I try .  

But I will always remember.

Do you remember or do you try not to forget?????