After some reflection, I can now see my uncle for the loving man he was to me on that day. He saw my need, grabbed some of his most favorite and costly lures and gave them to me freely, knowing that I would likely not appreciate them. Someone had forgotten me, but it wasn’t my uncle. As an adult reflecting on that day, I now believe my uncle was a faithful host attentive to the needs of his visiting family. I have learned that when I presume to have all of the information, all I am equipped to do is misinterpret everything. However, over the years I have discovered my memory isn’t always trustworthy. I didn’t even own a fishing pole! I probably said thank you, but inwardly I wasn’t very thankful.įor years, I remembered that day as the day my uncle had forgotten to buy me a gift. I opened it, and with some disappointment I saw a handful of fishing lures. My uncle noticed the same thing and returned quickly from his garage with a hastily wrapped present just for me. However, as the presents were distributed it was discovered that there wasn’t a present for me. At a large Christmas gathering at my uncle’s house, our large family enjoyed a gift exchange. I have often told a story about misremembering a moment from my childhood.
Who is right? How could our memories be so unreliable? I remember some things as if they happened to me, but my brother remembers those things as if they happened to him. As an identical twin, my brother and I have realized in our adulthood that we share several melded memories. “Remembering” can too easily become “misremembering” because it is subjective and influenced by trauma or other strong emotions. I believe reflection goes beyond a simple remembering. I thought a few words on “reflection” may be helpful during this time of remembrance.
It is imbued with appreciation and is akin to reflection. Solemn remembrance is a very human and healthy practice. Hopefully, the margin enjoyed on this holiday will allow some time to solemnly remember the men and women that have given their lives in the defense of our freedoms. Some may get together to share meals and times of fellowship. As I write this article, we are fast approaching Memorial Day.
0 kommentar(er)
