Memories & Feelings

My memory has never been very commendable. In fact, more often than not I am incapable of randomly recounting details of even my most profound, "memorable" experiences...especially if they were more than a year ago. However, with a little prompting, I find that I can actually remember quite a lot, most specifically feelings. The absolute details about what happened and who was wearing what and what we did, well, that's a lost cause; on the contrary, feelings seem to surface with the smallest ounce of proposition. I've been feeling very nostalgic lately and I would actually venture to say that I miss home. Sidebar: Those who know me know that for me to say anything about "missing" anyone or anything, that's kind of a big deal. Anyway...I have been feeling that way lately and spent some time reading through old cards and emails. I was borderline overwhelmed (maybe I was just whelmed - 10 Things I Hate About You - Anyone? Anyone? Get it?). Anyway - It was very surprising to me that reading these things took me back to through the same feelings that I felt during those times. I'm not normally one to hold on to things and if I do, I don't go through them often, except to throw them away. It was a refreshing change to read through things from family, friends, people who are in my life and will be forever, and some people who are no longer a part of it. Regardless of my current relationship with the sender of a card or letter, I was able to (or forced to...however you want to see it) relive all of the emotions surrounding a given time and/or situation. For plenty of the cards I read, I could never tell you the circumstances surrounding them, what someone said or what someone did, but I most certainly remember how I feel during that time and as a result of their correspondence.

The point of all this - I was reminded of a quote, goes something like this: "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

It's true. At least for me.