justplainbil

Just Plain Bill

Time

A saying I heard long ago fascinates me: “Without memory, time would have no meaning.” Unfortunately, I don’t know the source of this quote but I know it continues to mean something to me after hearing it over 50 years ago.

As I age, I understand that my ability to remember things will fail a little, and I realize any deficit in memory may suggest something more serious than simple forgetfulness.

I caught the end of a recent program on NPR that discussed the groundbreaking work being done on the study of aging at Stanford University; the different perspective on age – and time – relative to one’s age group. It seems that the older we get, the more we tend to look at time in terms of “what’s left.”

Time – does it pass the same for people of different ages? Do we focus on time left as we age, instead of our age and the years that have passed?

Time, age and memory – to me they make up an intriguing trinity. In hockey terms, they’re the “hat trick” of what helps make me human. And I wonder…do I make conscious or unconscious choices concerning what I remember?

I love the song Memory from the musical Cats. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s captivating melody is a masterpiece alone, but the lyrics by Trevor Nunn are a guiding force for me as I focus on the power and influence of memory as I live out my life. Most inspiring for me is the fifth stanza –

“Daylight

I must wait for the sunrise

I must think of a new life

And I mustn’t give in

When the dawn comes

Tonight will be a memory too

And a new day will begin”

I do end each day reflecting on time passed, but devote more time and sentiment into trusting the “new day” that will begin, while continuing my journey to “what’s left!”

Thank you for joining me.