Making memories

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land where death still casts its shadow, a light has dawned. — Isaiah 9:2

What will you remember of this weekend? What do you remember from last week? What stands out? What draws your mind’s eye to recall, even relive?

Memories are remarkable vehicles, allowing you to reflect on and create new mile markers in life’s journey. Worthy of exploring and listening to the experiences of your immediate and distant past, they speak to you today, as now you have perspective that allows the sorting of the lessons, their meaning and message.

In May of 1868, on the heels of the Civil War, with hundreds of thousands of lives destroyed, the nation was reminded to make a memory, not just once, but each year so you and I would never forget what had happened, or what sacrifice was made for freedom.

The 30th day of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet church-yard in the land. If other eyes grow dull, other hands slack, and other hearts cold in the solemn trust, ours shall keep it well as long as the light and warmth of life remain to us…. Let us, then, at the time appointed gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with the choicest flowers of spring-time; let us raise above them the dear old flag they saved from dishonor; let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us a sacred charge upon a nation's gratitude, the soldier's and sailor's widow and orphan.

HEADQUARTERS GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC  General Orders No.11, WASHINGTON, D.C., May 5, 1868,  JOHN A. LOGAN, Commander-in-Chief

Memories are important. They inform your present life and influence your future choices.
What will you remember of next week? You can influence that if you wish, by being intentional and purposeful in making a memory of someone else. Some ideas might be: flowers for your spouse, a special time with the kids, sitting down and encouraging one of your associates or physician partners, paying attention to the needs and worries of your patient or their family member.

You make memories every day in how you treat those whom God has placed in your life. Hear the words of Maya Angelou:

“I've learned that people will forget what you said,
People will forget what you did, but,
People will never forget how you made them feel.”

To each patient, family member, associate and physician partner, you are a memory maker. What will they remember?