Monday, August 21, 2017… a day to remember. People all over America migrated to a 70 mile wide path to witness one of God’s most profound art shows, a full solar eclipse. My dad and I were one of them. Because we lived in the Atlanta area, we had to make an hour and a half long drive up north, passing cars of families, young adults who called off of work, and elderly couples. Adrenaline was pumping as we worried we would be unable to make it in time. On the way, my grandfather called to apprise us on his experience as the shadow passed over Denver just minutes before.

All in all, this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I will never forget. It appeased my inner childhood astronomer and acted as a relationship builder with my dad.

However, in sixty years moments like these will be irrelevant. It will only remain in a closet of my mind, possibly unopened for years.

I am not going to self-diagnose myself with this rare mental ailment. Nevertheless, thoughts of this character have transpired as of recent, especially since turning twenty. All of my life, I had been either a child or teen. These years have been near perfect. I am very content with my past and would not change a thing. So many character building, awesome experiences have made me who I am today.

However, this past birthday has invoked a change like never before. As I enter into my third decade, I have begun a new, self-imposed era. As exciting as it is to start a period of truly establishing my life (ie. developing an expert economics, establishing a career, starting a family of my own), I am becoming increasingly aware of the possible loss of aspects of my life I found essential in my past. For years, my elders have divulged to me pleasant childhood memories, and now they are just that… memories and stories. Soon, MY older relatives, childhood friends, and more will meet the same fate.