Our Memories

I remember the first time I met my best friend in Calgary, but I don't remember the first time I met my best friend in Cairo. I remember the first time I went to one of my friends’ birthday dinner in Calgary almost 8 years ago. We played a game where we had to ask each other questions. I was put on the spot and I remember going home crying (I was extra sensitive). On the other hand, I don't remember the first time my friends and I had a good laugh.

I remember my first day in university, but I do not remember my first day in high school in Calgary.

I remember my first interview; I remember getting my first job, but I do not remember my first day on said job.

Why you ask? I wish I had an answer.

Memory is a very tricky thing. Some of us have really strong memories. They remember the tiniest details of a significant life changing events. They can also remember the silliest least important events. Others I would say have zero memory. I have a friend I can tell her something one day and she would forget about it the next day.

I have a strong memory. I believe it is a blessing and a curse simultaneously.

It is a blessing because I remember significant events really well. Birthdays, anniversaries, first times, important dates and events,…etc. I remember distinct events in detail.

I remember my first day when I landed in Calgary. The day I found out I was admitted into University. I remember the first time I met my close friends in Calgary and how that game started amazing friendships that I will forever cherish to this day. I remember when my brother-in-law proposed to my sister like it was yesterday. I remember when my best friends got married. (Bottom line, if we’re close, expect me to remember all the dates and details of your important events that I was part of.)

A strong memory allows you to remember those funny and special moments you had with your family, with your friends, with strangers, even special moments you had with those who were once part of your life.

A strong memory is a blessing because you remember those who left this world. You remember the special times you had with them. They are still alive in your memory. You remember how much you miss them, how much they loved you and how much you loved them.

It is a curse because I reminisce about birthdays, anniversaries, first times, important dates,…etc. I remember distinct events in detail.

For me, it is difficult to forget. It is difficult to forget the places and the dates that were once important. It is difficult to forget that conversation that once hurt me. Even when I want to. I cannot stop associating places, words, TV shows with incidents and situations that I would very much like to no longer remember. It is like you are re-living the memory over and over but you really want to put a stop to it.

It is difficult to forget what I want when I want to. What do I do? I replace the bad memories with good ones. If I still remember an incident that took place on a certain day, I deliberately do something I like on that day and I relate that day to it instead. That way, I have something positive to remember that date by.

My friend once told me that our memories are part of what makes us who we are today, whether they are good or bad. You remember the lessons you learned through out your life. You remember the reasons that made you who you are today.

I try to remember all the good things as much as I -unfortunately-remember the bad things. I never forget a friendly smile. I never forget a helping hand. I never forget when my best friends check up on me daily when I am not feeling my best. I never forget when my best friend was there for me in a time, I needed her. I never forget the multiple times my family supported me through out my life and how big of a blessing they are.

I never forget the blessings that God has granted me…or at least I try. It is our human nature to unfortunately sometimes forget how amazing our God is and how generous He is. One thing you can do daily to remember is pick one thing you are grateful for. One thing God has blessed with you with. Write it down in a notebook and keep it. In 365 days, you will have written down 365 things you are thankful for. 365 things God has blessed you with.

Maybe having a strong memory is not as bad as I may have thought. It is a blessing that sometimes I have dreaded having.

“I will remember the works of the LORD; Surely I will remember Your wonders of old.” Psalm 77:11

Sandra Sobhy

December 6, 2020