MENTAL ATTICS

I am currently working on a book of my life, my memoirs to leave for my family. One of my greatest fears is getting Alzheimers and not being able to remember. We all are mortal and the written word and pictures may just keep us alive for the future generations. This data may well answer some questions as to why certain things are predominent in others lives. The past, as presented in such a way, can enlighten those reading it, whether it be the next generation of several generations later.

As I started to organize the data and memories, it was relatively easy. Marriages, births, special moments came to mind. Then it became difficult. The more I work on the book, the more of my life that returns to me through memories. Memories that even I had forgotten become alive.......memories tucked away in the deep recesses of my mind.

You know how it is when it is time to move from one place to another. You realize how much junk you have collected and need to determine what is to go and what is to be given away or sold in a yard sale. You sit and look at all the possessions and ask yourself, "How did I accumulate all this stuff?"

Well I am finding the same situation with memories and stories I want to pass down to my children and grandchildren. How did I accumulate so many memrories in 63 years? Which do I record, which do I toss away, which do I keep private? I am finding that the more I remember and write about, the more that keeps coming to the surface.

It is as if I am in a mental attic and keep finding boxes stacked on boxes and more boxes tucked away in the corners and the more I open them, the more I remember. I know I will never be able to finish the book at this rate.........there has to be a cut-off. But what do I exclude, what if it is of importance, what will help my family to know me better, what if I don't include it and questions will arise that I no longer am able to answer?

Sometimes this amazes me when I can't remember where I put something just 10 minutes ago, but can remember something that occured 59 years ago. Want to try an experiment? Start writing down your memories (just the titles) and see how fast you fill up a page, no matter what your age.

I guess the sad thing would be NOT to have so many memories because an abundance of memories means you have lived your life and have filled up your space on the earth with something meaningful and have not wasted the short precious time we have here.

Well I go to run...............I just found another box in my mental attic that needs to be sorted out.

ANSWER TO LAST TRIVIA QUESTION: What are curb whiskers? Curb Whiskers or Feelers are springy projections mounted on a car to let a driver know he/she is getting close to the curb. Important in the days of whitewall tires.
TODAY'S TRIVIA QUESTION: What was the full name of the Indian Princess on the Howdy Doody show?
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: I'm wrinkled, saggy, lumpy, and that's just my left leg