My moments are simple in their complexity. As a child I remember many situations where I didn’t fully understand what was going on. I didn’t grasp why my parents were arguing over something either me or my brother did. Or didn’t do for that matter. Like the time my brother decided to bake cookies while he was babysitting me. Great idea, poor execution. Yes, I was an accessory, but only because I helped to open windows and waft the smoke out of the kitchen. Those moments are memories for me now. A little less complicated since I’m older and understand more.
As a dad, each day I watch my son learn new things. For him, what may seem complicated is simple to me. These moments of learning for him, will be memories for me.
Some moments are so complex, for whatever reasons, they are really simple when we look back. I find this a theme in our culture. Much of our popular entertainment focuses on specific moments, flashbacks, events. If we stopped, just for a short time, in our daily lives and reflected on some of our moments, I think we would be amazed at our own individual stories.
This Sunday Morning Musing is a little on the philosophical end for me. This past week, I was scouring Twitter for new people to follow and I came across some old friends I haven’t spoken to in a while. I was filled with excitement to find them. Many memories, simple ones like driving to the mall because that was the only thing to do; to complex ones involving girlfriends; to the simply complex ones like catching airplanes to go on vacation. All these memories came rushing back, what a great thing.
I have yet to click follow.
I started to think is there a reason why we lost touch? Did I do something that hurt them? I started to scan my memories, for those moments in the recent past that might explain why. I think I came up with a few, but I’m not sure. I think the only way I’ll know is if I grow some courage and follow them. Send them a direct message. But what if they don’t want to hear it? But what if they do?
If they respond or follow back, then its simple. If they don’t, I guess that’s simple too. Choosing to actually reach out, is yet another simply complex moment in my life I guess.
Back to the parent me. If I can teach anything to my son as he grows, is to remember the moments, especially the little ones. From my experience, what appears is a little thing in the present, becomes a big memory in the future. I can still smell the burnt cookies my brother and I made all those years ago. Aside from learning to use a non-stick cookie sheet, I realize those moments are forever with me. Both the simple and the complex.
The Dad In Me 
Funny, I was in Dunkin’ Donuts this morning, and Blue Oyster Cult’s “Don’t Fear the Reaper” came over the radio in there. It got me to thinking about this kid I used to know back in the ’70’s, and I wondered how he is doing. I could find him on cyberspace, I suppose, but sometimes, the memories just can’t be recreated or recaptured. On the other hand, it’s cool when you hear from someone you haven’t heard from in years.
Remember when people used to call people on actual phones? Doesn’t seem to happen as much anymore. Strange how changes in technology change the quantity and the quality of our exchanges with friends.
Bill
Very true. We know they’re out there, but it’s almost easier to speak to them periodically. Probably because we know, thanks to all the tech, we can reach out anytime.
Dunkin’ sound good right now too.
Thanks for the mention on Twitter Bill!
Vince
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