Memories are Stronger than Presence
I believe memories warm the heart, heal a broken soul, dry a falling tear, and replace someone’s absence. I believe memories are stronger than presence.
Over the past three years many significant, life changing events have taken place in my life. In 2003 my grandmother passed away, in 2006 one of my closest friends passed away and I moved away from home to attend college. My grandmother’s death was the first time in my life I have ever had to deal with grief. My friend’s passing was the first time I truly realized that I am mortal. Moving away from home at seventeen to attend college has been an overwhelming, emotional rollercoaster. Yet I have learned that it is not dealing with the surge of emotions that troubles me, it is the feeling of absence. I no longer have a grandmother to visit, I no longer have a friend to confide in, and I no longer have a home to return to after classes. I miss the presence. But I learned memories are stronger than presence.
About five months after my friend passed away, I finally got the bravery to return to the house in which he died and visit his family once again. My first thought as I entered the house was to simply not remember, to not reminisce. I didn’t want to reminisce about the times I visited his house and he was there or bring to mind all the good times we had. Yet as soon as I entered the dining room to speak to his parents that was the first thing they did. They began to tell me stories about all the goofy things he would do and say around the house, and as the time passed and the stories grew longer the more I saw their eyes sparkle with joy. I noticed how often his parents would smile and burst out in laughter while reminiscing.
I try hard to not look back and propel forward, yet I tend to forget how beautiful memories truly are. I trace back memories of when my grandmother and I would sit on the couch together and watch television every Sunday and I feel my heart warm with joy. I remember all the good times I had back home with my family and friends and my tears begin to dry up. Although I miss the physical presence of my grandmother, friend, and home the memories I hold near and dear to my heart keep their presence alive.
I enjoy reminiscing. I enjoy knowing the people and things that were once present in my life are still present in my heart and soul through memories. I believe presence is not everything. Anything can be present, yet that doesn’t mean I will appreciate it, and even if I do it will without a doubt soon parish. Yet memories will live forever. I believe memories will forever be stronger than any physical presence because they hold emotion and true sentiment.