Remembering
Photo by Christian De Stradis on Unsplash
This morning, I sat contemplating the events of twenty-one years ago. Most of us of a certain age remember exactly where we were when we received the news on September 11, 2001. In a similar manner, many people reading this also remember exactly where they were when they received the news that the irregularity on their mammogram or the lump that they felt was cancer.
The brain works in interesting ways. Do we recall September 10th, or the week before we found the lump? Events that evoke a strong emotional response in us stand out much more vividly in our minds than the everyday happenings of our lives. We do, however, have some control over how we remember them.
As we sift through the painful recollections of that distant day, we can also focus on the heroism we witnessed and the acts of kindness we saw in the days that followed. As we look back over our personal experience, we could call to mind how grateful we are for the skilled medical personnel who helped us, the outpouring of love in many forms from those around us, and the continuing support of our fellow travelers along our cancer journey.
We don’t ever forget, but in the midst of the memories, let us also find ways to remember the good and, for that, be thankful.