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The truth is that, this time, all the topics are interesting and address an issue that no one can ignore, because it concerns us all: we have had or still have events, anecdotes, sad or joyful moments related to memory.
I have often thought about what I would like to forget and what I would not. The truth is, no matter how much we might want to forget certain events or remember only the pleasant ones, we do not always succeed. However, I would not want to forget the heart, kindness, and example of my mother; the student who hugged me and thanked me for the lessons; the friend who lent me a hand or whom I helped; nor all those who helped me become a better person.
I would like to forget the girlfriend who, 42 years ago, was unfaithful to me; the one I thought was my friend and betrayed me; or those I hurt and caused sorrow.
But I know that all of this will pass when I am gone, and in two generations, no one will remember I existed. Even so, I would like to be remembered with my flaws and virtues: as the teacher who found in education the most perfect way to exist and the most accurate version of happiness; as the man of solid values who gave his best for his family and devoted himself body and soul to them; as the perpetual enthusiast for culture, nature, and sports; and as the uncle who found in his nephews the children life denied him.
I often search my memory for happy moments and, as a mental exercise, I try to recall those that happened 10, 15, 20, 30 years ago or more. One year that many in my generation eagerly awaited was the year 2000.
That year brought events that gave me great happiness and that today, 25 years later, I remember as if it were yesterday. I want to mention two of them, for what they meant on a family and emotional level:
The first was my mom’s 55th birthday. This was one of the most beautiful and memorable birthdays, because her children, grandchildren, and some of her dearest friends were present.
The other moment occurred during the Sydney Olympic Games in Australia. Several events keep the memory of that sporting occasion alive, but there are two that I experienced with an intensity only those who love an activity can understand: the gold medal won by Cuban jumper Iván Pedroso Soler on his final attempt against the local favorite Jai Taurima; and the gold medal won by the Cuban women’s volleyball team, which, after losing the first 2 sets, won the next three to claim the Olympic title and their third consecutive gold medal.
A Final Comment
Memory is one of the most valuable treasures we possess, and fighting to preserve and develop it is something we must do, aiming to prevent disorders and illnesses that appear as we advance through life.
Doing physical exercise, engaging in games like crosswords, Sudoku, word games, and others, are simple examples of what we can do to preserve our memory.
What do you think?
Note: The photos are my own, taken from my family album.
Text translated with DeepL Translate.
