The principal link we have to connect us with the past is our memory.  Obviously if it were a past experience, it’s mostly gone except for the mental pictures of it that we store in our minds usually easily recalled on demand.  Of course some of the least pleasant images/thoughts are best stored in the ‘delete’ box of the brain; however, generally the happy ones are the ones we choose to remember along with the people involved.  And what are some of your favorites?  I venture to guess that there are some like these listed below that most of us have in common with each other such as …
 
REMEMBER?  the days before entering school when you were thought of as being ‘sweet’ , innocent, adorable,  carefully protected, loved unconditionally and soaking up basic information that would remain with you for life; learning to be dependent/independent, knowing safety in the arms of your parents; having perfect eyesight, taste, teeth, hearing and near inexhaustible energy; enjoying intimate personal family relationships, living carefree when everything is new, free and mostly exciting; making early lifelong friendships, enjoying undisturbed sleep, learning to tie your shoes, telling time, going barefooted; being in unsure, challenging  situations but always with someone to come to the rescue; discovering edible  and some not so edible vegetables/favorite foods, having most decisions made by your parents, attending Sunday School and daycare, learning to get along with others including siblings, whirling around until you got dizzy, learning the lessons of sharing (It’s mine!); risk taking and its consequence, enjoying morning ETV, saying your bedtime prayers with a parent holding your hand, experiencing a love affair with your first pet along with its care, learning many of the early ‘don’ts’ of life, participating in your first ‘sports’ experience, playing traditional games alone and with family and friends, being hugged, learning the ‘agony of defeat’ and exhilaration of winning; playing school and learning new words, numbers, colors; being able to recite personal information for later first grade use, discovering your body, experiencing ‘time outs’, dealing with the dark, sleeping alone, getting dirty playing outdoors, brushing your teeth, holding your breathe, playing hide and seek, visiting relatives and friends,  learning how to “get” your way with your family members, being taught to play ‘fair’, experiencing emotions/hurt feelings, getting injured and having your mother ‘heal’ the hurt, laughing until you were breathless, getting your fingernails cut, haircuts; being quiet in church, learning early two very important affirmations: ‘I was wrong.’ and ‘ I am sorry.’; being afraid of ‘ghosts’, running in the rain and splashing mud puddles, experiencing snow for the first time, climbing trees and jumping rope, licking the chocolate icing dish, accepting  a disappointing ‘no’ as an answer, believing in and anxiously waiting for Santa Claus, dressing up for special occasions, imagining the unimaginable, acting silly, longing to be just like Mon and Dad,  bowing your head for the blessing at a meal, counting the stars, catching fireflies, making pictures of the clouds, having a birthday cake/party, drawing pictures in the sand, playing hide and seek, riding a bike alone, seeing the ocean for the first time, being taught to respect, learning the importance of being honest, asking countless WHYS?.
 
Then you “grow up” and the joy of very early childhood memories is overcome by your being six years old.  But there are some special, wonderful memories that never grow dim: memories of your parents, two people whose debt can never be repaid save in one instance: growing up to be a responsible, respected, good neighbor.  I know of one instance that a special birthday celebration was planned by a son to honor his  beloved father for his 100th birthday, in absentia.  The extended family picnic gathering was culminated by the serving of a birthday cake but in an unusual setting.
 
The large family of kin regathered at the local cemetery where brief remarks of thanksgiving were made and the event ended with the singing of Happy 100th Birthday to a never forgotten father followed by the serving of the birthday cake. 
 
The centenarian recipient of the occasion did not speak, but everyone in attendance surely felt his strong spiritual presence.
 
When the roll is called up yonder, be there in person for the grand forever birthday celebration. It’s one party you absolutely don’t want to miss.
 
Please, no presents.
 
Bill Lee, PO Box 128, Hamer