Roy’s Sunday Letter June 15, 2025
MEMORIES, OF LONG AGO AND NOW
In so many ways, we are our memories, both the ones from our childhood and the newest, for example, from Thursday’s lunch with a friend. There are some that come with “Do Not Disturb Signs.” As we know those are in the past and it is really ok to NOT disturb them. There are many memories that comfort and with all the colors and sounds of a wedding, concert, or graduation.
I encourage you to allow space in your memories as a child, young adult, mid-life, or as senior. What are one or two memories that still dwell within you in each of these life stages? Memories shape our personal identity. Memories encourage the reliving of joyful moments, to learn from past experiences, and strengthen our emotional reliance. Family memories of a Thanksgiving, weddings, or memorable service can bond us together with cell photos and stories.
There are short-term and long-term memories. We may describe in detail our 2nd grade classroom, desk, and teacher, but unsure why we entered the kitchen or bedroom. In mid-life or senior age, forgetfulness of a shopping list or whether you have seen a movie or read that book is not uncommon. A diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s within a family or friendship is a forever memory shift.
In 1994, two weeks in my new position with Family Support Services in Amarillo, Texas. I returned to our home in Weatherford to help paint/repair and list our home for sale. I had finished caulking roof windows and stepped on the extension ladder to shower and make the drive to Amarillo. However, the extension ladder flipped, and I crashed to the deck 27 feet below. In real time, maybe 3 seconds. In memory time, 20 minutes. First, again memory, I pushed ladder away for a safer fall. Next, “my fall committee” instructed me to turn to land on my side, not on my back and head. Beth heard the thud of my fall and found me unconscious. She called 911 but because we lived on a farmland road, she left and actually ran to the main road to wave down and direct the ambulance to the house. Yes, me and my fall committee, did well. And yet, I did crush my left elbow. I have replayed the fall memory over the years, and no doubt will continue to do so.
My last conversation with my father is my 2nd personal memory. In 45 minutes, my aging father and I restored the father – son trust and caring relationship. He said he had completed all he could do in his life, and he was ready to go meet Jesus. We prayed together and hugged. In two days, heart failure gave him his final wish. I spoke at his funeral, retelling our last words and prayer. We were complete. I do not have a needed for repeated replays.
Memories come to us in their own way and time. We learn from each as we trust our memory experiences to teach and guide us.
Roy, remembering the first Sunday Letters of 3 years ago
Good morning Roy and wonderful letter. Reflection on the memories we possess is good. Some are more clearer than others. Some more pleasant than others.
As I sit with Betty and discuss the pictures that come across the screen on her digital photo book, these different types of memories, for her, show themselves. Joyful and sad Roy. Thanks for these wonderful thoughts.. Happy Sunday to all.
Your patience with/better respected and appreciated, really a gift to and for her.
TX becoming harder to tolerate the in your face racism, guns valued over people.
Thanks for happy thoughts. we need the reminder of this also being true.
And we, all of us continue on….
Roy, I count you among my “father-figures.” In a short time you have restored my hope and renewed my commitment to people. You have helped me clarify priorities and invest in my partners. You have inspired me to live a full life because you continue to learn, serve, and create every day that you get vertical.
Please avoid ladders. Please keep on creating.
Most gracious.
child of Woodstock somewhere in here, not letting me forget the possible in daily life.
THis rainy afternoon I am thinking about future days of writing, about what.
Calendar here ….. Continuing to believe.
We are all a sum of our memories. One that stands out for me is the last time I saw my sweet Momma. She had developed lung cancer and had an appointment with an Oncologist. I drove from Fort Worth to Illinois to be with her and we had a delightful three days together. She chose to have chemotherapy and I supported her decision even though I knew it wasn’t the right one. When we parted I drove down the street and stopped because I knew it would be for the last time she stood on the porch until I was out of sight. She was a strong woman in an age when most women were not. She taught me to be strong and self sufficient and she encouraged me when I succeeded and when I failed. I know it is Father’s Day, but my Father died when I was 2 years old so today I am remembering my Mother who was also my Father, I was blessed.
Thank you for sharing you, parent’s medical and death, and boring old plumbing.
You are balancing much of urban life tgis wkend.
Mother memories were and are Strong images….replayed more than a few times.
WE do have water….refill as needed.
We will gather at a table soon……….RB
Roy, I did not know of your fall. I’m glad Beth was at home and that you both were thinking clearly. Thanks for sharing.
Fall follow-up: 1994 plate and scres. Wore out by 2,000. Replaced with a single bolt in lower bone. “Stuff” grew around it.
All good. Arms and hands don’t line up. I can keyboard. gave up tennis. Lucky I am not in wheelchair, for real.
We all at this age have similar. If not a fall, then another part of life.
We be good.
No King gathering here renewing and hopeful.