Just before reading this I was trying to remember a transition I thought of in bed last night, and foolishly told myself I could never possibly forger. So I didn't write it down. And it's forgotten. Memory cannot be trusted.
Oh my! My eyes have welled up over this one. It's lovely and sweet and heartfelt and poetic and even romantic. I have a long, long, long memory. I suppose one of my great fears is that I'll forget some of them as I age. Ultimately, it is the reason why I write now, to keep the memories alive and how they made me feel. And, like Diane's comment, in a way, why I pass things on to my kids. Why I retell their birth story every chance they'll listen. Why I make family yearbooks. Why I blog. Thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!
I “felt” this one as a writer and an aging one, but the first idea that came to my mind was that we need to tell our family members to capture moments now in case they ever get Alzheimer’s for re-reading and therefore re-loving and enjoying on their journey. It’s a lovely piece, Paul.
Thank you, Diane. I didn’t consider that angle but it’s a good idea. I do keep a “notebook” but I’m not a diarist and journaling, in the sense of recording daily events and what I think or how I feel about them, has never been a useful activity for me. But that’s just me.
Dec 5, 2023·edited Dec 5, 2023Liked by Paul Wittenberger
You frequently freak me out, Paul. The way so many times I find a piece you've written that captures so much of what's been rolling around in my head. I guess that's why I enjoy reading your stuff so much!!! So, very simply, thank you!
That was such a good take on how these thing fade and are renovated again and again. "Memory, at its best, is like sitting on a merry go round with all the flashing lights and going up and down on a painted pony all while trying to recall sitting on a horse, silently in a field watching the sunrise."
Just before reading this I was trying to remember a transition I thought of in bed last night, and foolishly told myself I could never possibly forger. So I didn't write it down. And it's forgotten. Memory cannot be trusted.
Same thing has happened to me, Troy.
Some things we don’t want to remember. To relive.
Oh my! My eyes have welled up over this one. It's lovely and sweet and heartfelt and poetic and even romantic. I have a long, long, long memory. I suppose one of my great fears is that I'll forget some of them as I age. Ultimately, it is the reason why I write now, to keep the memories alive and how they made me feel. And, like Diane's comment, in a way, why I pass things on to my kids. Why I retell their birth story every chance they'll listen. Why I make family yearbooks. Why I blog. Thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!
What's writing for if not to write? Thank you, Danielle!
I “felt” this one as a writer and an aging one, but the first idea that came to my mind was that we need to tell our family members to capture moments now in case they ever get Alzheimer’s for re-reading and therefore re-loving and enjoying on their journey. It’s a lovely piece, Paul.
Thank you, Diane. I didn’t consider that angle but it’s a good idea. I do keep a “notebook” but I’m not a diarist and journaling, in the sense of recording daily events and what I think or how I feel about them, has never been a useful activity for me. But that’s just me.
You frequently freak me out, Paul. The way so many times I find a piece you've written that captures so much of what's been rolling around in my head. I guess that's why I enjoy reading your stuff so much!!! So, very simply, thank you!
Thank you, Rich, for such a generous comment.
George Barkley basically said that reality is solid words are not, so I would trust memories of solids more than memories of words.
The coffee cup I use every day is solid in my muscle memory. Words or visions less so.
I also write notes every day in my phone.
As they say, go figure. Literally
Thanks for the thoughts.
That was such a good take on how these thing fade and are renovated again and again. "Memory, at its best, is like sitting on a merry go round with all the flashing lights and going up and down on a painted pony all while trying to recall sitting on a horse, silently in a field watching the sunrise."
Thank you, Wes
Give it more time and it doesn't get any better. Love it!
This is some of your best and most insightful bit of writing yet! Brilliant work!
Thank you, Paul. I think it's telling what memories the Diarist fails to include in the list provided but that, perhaps, is something for another day.
Pauls talking to Pauls and sharing with us. Cool!
Excellent analysis of memory and its role, its function in a writer’s life.