Many of the art prints we have hanging on the walls of our house are literal "misty watercolors." I don't know if there is really a connection there, but it seems that my way (and perhaps most people's way) of remembering the past is like the artist Paul Sawyier's way of capturing his beloved Kentucky River Valley in his paintings. The rough edges are smoothed away by the fog of selective remembering and the glow of sentiment highlights the good times. At times, even imagination plays a role in our remembering, in the same way his "Mile High Bridge" uses memory and fantasy to create an ethereal scene that never was.There is no doubt that my childhood memories benefit from the filter of time. Living in unheatable houses, wearing hand me down clothes, and having the same thing in my school lunch pail every day is not the stuff of idyllic childhood; But growing up in a loving family, part of an extended family of grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins who all cared for one another was more than compensation, and I only wish that everyone's memories could be as happy as mine.
I have to admit to a certain enjoyment of the melancholy part of memory as well. A little wistful longing for what once was, a dash of pondering what might have been, and maybe even a touch of regret all add to the flavor of memory. Dabbling in melancholy is mostly a good way to "pinch myself awake;" to wake me up to recognizing how profoundly I have been blessed. I don't need to look at my life through a veil of mist that hides the rough edges; I can see very clearly that I am "The Richest Man I Know."
I thought about this for awhile and I've found that I filter my writing but not the memories. I still remember some of the bad stuff -- I just leave it out. But I agree, thinking back on things is very wistful and wonderful and does make you long to go back. What I find difficult is that my Dad, mom and sister are all gone. There is only me so if I can't remember something -- there is no one to ask. Guess that is part of why I am writing some of it down now while I can at least remember parts of it. Great post as always.
ReplyDeleteSad how many wealthy people don't realize what they have.
ReplyDeleteYou should add a follow button on your blog. I am now following, but it is easier with a button.
Thanks for visiting and commenting, Joeh. Err...what's a follow button?
ReplyDelete"But growing up in a loving family, part of an extended family of grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins who all cared for one another was more than compensation, and I only wish that everyone's memories could be as happy as mine."
ReplyDelete:) :)
And I'm the most blessed person I know! :) :)