Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love,
the things you are,
the things you never want to lose. 1
Sweet memories enhance
The backwards glance
Long into childhood's way,
Hours by the sea
Timeless, carefree
Where the sun brightly shone
Every day,
Looking out o'er the waves
Soft, memory saves
A joy that forever stays
Held deep in that part
Of one's innermost heart. . .
Of so happy,
dear sand-castle days! 2
"Don't eat the dirt!"
I think I remember my mother warning me of that many long years ago,
or maybe it was more like,
"Wash your hands before you eat".
I remember how delighted I was
when I met some of my online friends
for the first time in my life.
I remember the inspiration I felt
seeing how my friends could make a difference
in their communities,
and realizing I could, too.
"Remember, you didn't get here alone.
You’re standing on the shoulders of your ancestors...
Make sure your shoulders grow nice and strong for our future leaders”.
We do not remember days;
we remember moments. 3
Remember the first day
of the first year
of the first time
in your life
you started your journey to getting old?
Do you remember
the hours with your Legos, Barbies and Transformers . . .?
Remember the first guy/girl who caught your eye, . . .
that same guy/girl who you still remember
as your first school/ college crush?
Remember how it felt when you told that girl/boy you liked hir
in front of other people,
and s/he said no.
Remember those neighbors and classmates,
who ended up becoming your closest friends?
I remember how good it felt
to read a book under a shade tree;
to listen to a song while doing chores;
or hearing someone talk
and getting inspired to find out
about other places,
things, and people . . .
Remember that wrenching pain in your gut
when a long-time friend dropped you,
and told to stay out of their life
because another friend told them to?
Remember holding back the tears on those days
when you just wanted to be home again, to feel SAFE again?
I remember making snow angels
long after I was supposed to be too old for that . . .
Memories are made of these . . .
Those who claim that nobody does anything without wanting something back,
need to remember that a lot of help is given anonymously -
in secret – because these people want it that way –
they don’t want, or need, acknowledgement.
For them, the satisfaction comes from knowing
they were able to help fill a need –
and hope it is passed forward.
They are not of the ilk who always
attach “strings” – and it is unjust,
and unfair to apply the same brush to everyone.
Remember, there will be a time when you believe everything is finished.
That will be the beginning. 4
Remember those somewhat wild and exciting nights,
when the times you shared with your friends
will forever hold a place in your memory
and your heart?
Remember your anxiety just before your first date?
I remember how much I was paid for my first “job” - $5.00 per day,
and gas was 40 cents a gallon at the time.
Remember that payback and getting even
damages you more than "them" . . .
Amazingly, it took me longer it took to remember than it needed to,
each time I was really hurting and unhappy
that biting my nose off to spite my face
didn’t fix things – I only ended up being unhappier –
like I couldn’t learn from others?
Maybe deep down I didn’t really want to be happy,
and to ensure that, I simply just sabotaged myself.
It's surprising how much of memory
is built around things unnoticed at the time. 5
Remember those bonding days and nights,
when you never felt closer to a certain person,
and how such closeness creates ties that never die?
Remember those first friends you shared your fears with, . . .
and how you soon became mere acquaintances?
It is a sad human truth that there are those who for
a time thought the sun rose and set by you –
respected you, and held you in high regard . . .
but after getting to know you –
and discovering that you too, are human,
and all that goes with that –
changed their attitude and view . . .
and how they treated you.
It is said, that with many people,
familiarity breeds contempt.
This however, says more about them,
than it does about you.
Remember to be aware:
there are those who will turn on you.
Memories are also made of these . . .
Remember that anything that’s hurtful to you,
won’t feel good to others, either.
Remember the first time you were taken fishing,
and you caught your first fish?
Remember, somewhere there is someone who dreams of your smile,
who finds in your presence that life is worthwhile.
So when you are lonely, remember it's true,
that somebody somewhere is thinking of you.
I remember that feeling of awe
the first time a trusting grand-daughter slipped
her small hand in mine as we walked the beach.
There is no greater reassurance and affirmation of trust
and love between two people
than contact through the simple human touch.
and Memories are also made of these . . .
There are no boundaries between friends:
for we need to remember that real friendship
consists of respect, absolute trust, and love,
that result in an openness – and freedom.
In real friendship each person has total freedom
to be themselves without fear . . .
True friendship transcends everything:
race, culture, religion, gender, age, colour, and etc.
If it doesn’t, whatever else it may be – it is not true friendship.
I remember the teacher who believed in me,
who inspired me - and went to her grave thinking she’d been wrong . . .
because I waited a long time to wake up . . . and prove her right.
- Mrs. Rose, this one’s for you . . .
One man, one woman;
One love through life.
Memories are made of this.
Maybe people need to do some thinking . . .
No one is their job . . .
and they need to remember that while this is so,
some elements of what we learn at our jobs do become part of us -
but we pick and choose which ones . . .
Some people’s memories appear to “hide” as if they do not exist.
What many people do have
are a lot - an awful lot –
of big, blank patches where their memories used to be . . .
I remember scrunching my eyes shut tight
on my first kiss - – and how I got her on the nose. . .
I really needed to remember that the best relationship
is one where your love for each other
is greater than your need for each other.
Remember that anything
that feels consistently good . . .
is likely good.
There are always those who will
manage to turn it into something bad . . .
Just as there are those who can turn
anything around,
and put all the blame
on someone else . . .
Remember the first time you had to ask for help
with something you’d always been able to do yourself?
I remember life got along quite nicely
before microwaves, cell phones, and the internet
Many people can’t seem to remember that roads
have always led in two directions – and still do.
Those who really care about you will come.
People do what’s necessary to spend
time with those they want to be near.
If some don’t come – you are not on that list with them.
You never know
when you're making a memory. 6
Remember how you never realized the importance of family,
until you didn't see them everyday?
Remember telling friends the deepest secrets of your life,
and knowing they'd remain secrets?
Remember to never lose touch
with those friends you've made,
because you have all changed
and grown enormously together,
and that is something very sacred to be shared.
It’s easy to forget the world is round.
Remember - the place which may seem like the end,
may also be only the a renewed beginning.
Remember you are only here for a short while,
time flies before you realize it,
so make it last,
make it memorable,
make it the best time of your life,
the best memories that you can carry with you for the rest of your days.
Remember to love the ones you love;
life isn't forever,
nor forget to love the ones who love you -
their life isn't forever either
In loving them, remember the three R's:
Respect for self;
Respect for others;
Responsibility for all your actions.
- About, “love your neighbour as yourself” -
remember - that means first you have to love yourself.
Sometimes we don’t do well at loving others because we don’t love ourselves.
Remember – we can love -
whether people come,
go,
love us
or hurt us;
because being loving is something we are,
not something we have, or get,
and does not depend on them, or anyone.
Though you can’t go back and make a brand new start,
just remember, you can start any time and make a brand new ending. 7
the things you are,
the things you never want to lose. 1
Sweet memories enhance
The backwards glance
Long into childhood's way,
Hours by the sea
Timeless, carefree
Where the sun brightly shone
Every day,
Looking out o'er the waves
Soft, memory saves
A joy that forever stays
Held deep in that part
Of one's innermost heart. . .
Of so happy,
dear sand-castle days! 2
"Don't eat the dirt!"
I think I remember my mother warning me of that many long years ago,
or maybe it was more like,
"Wash your hands before you eat".
I remember how delighted I was
when I met some of my online friends
for the first time in my life.
I remember the inspiration I felt
seeing how my friends could make a difference
in their communities,
and realizing I could, too.
"Remember, you didn't get here alone.
You’re standing on the shoulders of your ancestors...
Make sure your shoulders grow nice and strong for our future leaders”.
We do not remember days;
we remember moments. 3
Remember the first day
of the first year
of the first time
in your life
you started your journey to getting old?
Do you remember
the hours with your Legos, Barbies and Transformers . . .?
Remember the first guy/girl who caught your eye, . . .
that same guy/girl who you still remember
as your first school/ college crush?
Remember how it felt when you told that girl/boy you liked hir
in front of other people,
and s/he said no.
Remember those neighbors and classmates,
who ended up becoming your closest friends?
I remember how good it felt
to read a book under a shade tree;
to listen to a song while doing chores;
or hearing someone talk
and getting inspired to find out
about other places,
things, and people . . .
Remember that wrenching pain in your gut
when a long-time friend dropped you,
and told to stay out of their life
because another friend told them to?
Remember holding back the tears on those days
when you just wanted to be home again, to feel SAFE again?
I remember making snow angels
long after I was supposed to be too old for that . . .
Memories are made of these . . .
Those who claim that nobody does anything without wanting something back,
need to remember that a lot of help is given anonymously -
in secret – because these people want it that way –
they don’t want, or need, acknowledgement.
For them, the satisfaction comes from knowing
they were able to help fill a need –
and hope it is passed forward.
They are not of the ilk who always
attach “strings” – and it is unjust,
and unfair to apply the same brush to everyone.
Remember, there will be a time when you believe everything is finished.
That will be the beginning. 4
Remember those somewhat wild and exciting nights,
when the times you shared with your friends
will forever hold a place in your memory
and your heart?
Remember your anxiety just before your first date?
I remember how much I was paid for my first “job” - $5.00 per day,
and gas was 40 cents a gallon at the time.
Remember that payback and getting even
damages you more than "them" . . .
Amazingly, it took me longer it took to remember than it needed to,
each time I was really hurting and unhappy
that biting my nose off to spite my face
didn’t fix things – I only ended up being unhappier –
like I couldn’t learn from others?
Maybe deep down I didn’t really want to be happy,
and to ensure that, I simply just sabotaged myself.
It's surprising how much of memory
is built around things unnoticed at the time. 5
Remember those bonding days and nights,
when you never felt closer to a certain person,
and how such closeness creates ties that never die?
Remember those first friends you shared your fears with, . . .
and how you soon became mere acquaintances?
It is a sad human truth that there are those who for
a time thought the sun rose and set by you –
respected you, and held you in high regard . . .
but after getting to know you –
and discovering that you too, are human,
and all that goes with that –
changed their attitude and view . . .
and how they treated you.
It is said, that with many people,
familiarity breeds contempt.
This however, says more about them,
than it does about you.
Remember to be aware:
there are those who will turn on you.
Memories are also made of these . . .
Remember that anything that’s hurtful to you,
won’t feel good to others, either.
Remember the first time you were taken fishing,
and you caught your first fish?
Remember, somewhere there is someone who dreams of your smile,
who finds in your presence that life is worthwhile.
So when you are lonely, remember it's true,
that somebody somewhere is thinking of you.
I remember that feeling of awe
the first time a trusting grand-daughter slipped
her small hand in mine as we walked the beach.
There is no greater reassurance and affirmation of trust
and love between two people
than contact through the simple human touch.
and Memories are also made of these . . .
There are no boundaries between friends:
for we need to remember that real friendship
consists of respect, absolute trust, and love,
that result in an openness – and freedom.
In real friendship each person has total freedom
to be themselves without fear . . .
True friendship transcends everything:
race, culture, religion, gender, age, colour, and etc.
If it doesn’t, whatever else it may be – it is not true friendship.
I remember the teacher who believed in me,
who inspired me - and went to her grave thinking she’d been wrong . . .
because I waited a long time to wake up . . . and prove her right.
- Mrs. Rose, this one’s for you . . .
One man, one woman;
One love through life.
Memories are made of this.
Maybe people need to do some thinking . . .
No one is their job . . .
and they need to remember that while this is so,
some elements of what we learn at our jobs do become part of us -
but we pick and choose which ones . . .
Some people’s memories appear to “hide” as if they do not exist.
What many people do have
are a lot - an awful lot –
of big, blank patches where their memories used to be . . .
I remember scrunching my eyes shut tight
on my first kiss - – and how I got her on the nose. . .
I really needed to remember that the best relationship
is one where your love for each other
is greater than your need for each other.
Remember that anything
that feels consistently good . . .
is likely good.
There are always those who will
manage to turn it into something bad . . .
Just as there are those who can turn
anything around,
and put all the blame
on someone else . . .
Remember the first time you had to ask for help
with something you’d always been able to do yourself?
I remember life got along quite nicely
before microwaves, cell phones, and the internet
Many people can’t seem to remember that roads
have always led in two directions – and still do.
Those who really care about you will come.
People do what’s necessary to spend
time with those they want to be near.
If some don’t come – you are not on that list with them.
You never know
when you're making a memory. 6
Remember how you never realized the importance of family,
until you didn't see them everyday?
Remember telling friends the deepest secrets of your life,
and knowing they'd remain secrets?
Remember to never lose touch
with those friends you've made,
because you have all changed
and grown enormously together,
and that is something very sacred to be shared.
It’s easy to forget the world is round.
Remember - the place which may seem like the end,
may also be only the a renewed beginning.
Remember you are only here for a short while,
time flies before you realize it,
so make it last,
make it memorable,
make it the best time of your life,
the best memories that you can carry with you for the rest of your days.
Remember to love the ones you love;
life isn't forever,
nor forget to love the ones who love you -
their life isn't forever either
In loving them, remember the three R's:
Respect for self;
Respect for others;
Responsibility for all your actions.
- About, “love your neighbour as yourself” -
remember - that means first you have to love yourself.
Sometimes we don’t do well at loving others because we don’t love ourselves.
Remember – we can love -
whether people come,
go,
love us
or hurt us;
because being loving is something we are,
not something we have, or get,
and does not depend on them, or anyone.
Though you can’t go back and make a brand new start,
just remember, you can start any time and make a brand new ending. 7
Most memories along the trail,
Are treasures you'll want to keep;
The things that make you content,
They're all there for you to reap.
Do not linger on the bad times,
But dwell on every sweet thing;
That fills your soul with happiness,
Pleasant memories they will bring. 8
Are treasures you'll want to keep;
The things that make you content,
They're all there for you to reap.
Do not linger on the bad times,
But dwell on every sweet thing;
That fills your soul with happiness,
Pleasant memories they will bring. 8
Life is small,
Live it!
Love is pure,
Enjoy it!
Anger is injurious,
Dump it!
Troubles are short,
Face it!
Memories are sweet,
Cherish it . . .
They are the best,
Accept it!
Many people come into our lives and quickly go.
Some people come into our lives,
become friends and stay awhile . . .
transform us, and
whether they stay or go -
they leave beautiful footprints on our hearts . . .
and we are never quite the same . . .
Life brings simple pleasures to us every day.
It is up to us to make them wonderful memories. 9
Each day is a gift,
and as long as my eyes open,
I'll focus on the new day
and all the happy memories I've stored away,
just for this time in my life. 10
Each day of our lives
we make deposits in the memory banks
of the people in our lives.
Though our memories of today
will soon be yesterdays,
they will forever live in our tomorrows. 11
Memories are made of these . . .
Things to remember consist of these . . .
- and more -
This I also believe . . .
and on this, too,
Here I stand – Here I stay.
Don't wait.
Make memories today.
Celebrate your life!
Live it!
Love is pure,
Enjoy it!
Anger is injurious,
Dump it!
Troubles are short,
Face it!
Memories are sweet,
Cherish it . . .
They are the best,
Accept it!
Many people come into our lives and quickly go.
Some people come into our lives,
become friends and stay awhile . . .
transform us, and
whether they stay or go -
they leave beautiful footprints on our hearts . . .
and we are never quite the same . . .
Life brings simple pleasures to us every day.
It is up to us to make them wonderful memories. 9
Each day is a gift,
and as long as my eyes open,
I'll focus on the new day
and all the happy memories I've stored away,
just for this time in my life. 10
Each day of our lives
we make deposits in the memory banks
of the people in our lives.
Though our memories of today
will soon be yesterdays,
they will forever live in our tomorrows. 11
Memories are made of these . . .
Things to remember consist of these . . .
- and more -
This I also believe . . .
and on this, too,
Here I stand – Here I stay.
Don't wait.
Make memories today.
Celebrate your life!
For prayer requests and more, visit our sister site Stella Maris,
- a place where truth and beauty dwells: or write for information.
- a place where truth and beauty dwells: or write for information.
To submit comments, requests or materials,
contact me at: outreach@dawncoveabbey.org
contact me at: outreach@dawncoveabbey.org
I gladly welcome all article, haiku, humour and poem contributions
For empowerment workshops and seminars see: http://www.dawncoveabbey.org/healing-circle
For empowerment workshops and seminars see: http://www.dawncoveabbey.org/healing-circle
 |  |  |  |  |
| _______________________________________________________ MorningStar Inspirations from Dawn Cove Abbey Roadside assistance for your Journey through Life ______________________________________________________ |
| It's better to light just one little candle Than to stumble in the dark And if everyone lit just one little candle What a bright world this would be |
____________________________________________
Acknowledgements:
* Hir = him/her
[1] ~The Wonder Years (Unknown)
[2] -Oh, Sand Castle Days ~John McLeod
[3] ~Cesare Pavese
[4] ~Louis L'Amour
[5] ~Barbara Kingsolver
[6] ~Rickie Lee Jones
[7] -Sweet and Other Memories (Out Of The Closet) ~Tuinman et al.
[8] -excerpt from PLEASANT MEMORIES - Mountain Trails
- Lessons in Life - Book 2 ~Paul D Berube
[9] ~Cathy Allen
[10] ~Unknown
[11] ~Isabel Urbano
Media: Compassion
Layout Design and Presentation Crafted by KT+
_____________________________________________
Acknowledgements:
* Hir = him/her
[1] ~The Wonder Years (Unknown)
[2] -Oh, Sand Castle Days ~John McLeod
[3] ~Cesare Pavese
[4] ~Louis L'Amour
[5] ~Barbara Kingsolver
[6] ~Rickie Lee Jones
[7] -Sweet and Other Memories (Out Of The Closet) ~Tuinman et al.
[8] -excerpt from PLEASANT MEMORIES - Mountain Trails
- Lessons in Life - Book 2 ~Paul D Berube
[9] ~Cathy Allen
[10] ~Unknown
[11] ~Isabel Urbano
Media: Compassion
Layout Design and Presentation Crafted by KT+
_____________________________________________
| ~Explorations In Awareness~ -Demystifying & Detoxifying the Mind to combat Alienation and Dysfunction- Please visit and add your voice. |