Thanks for the memory

This time of the year is a bit hard on us oldies. Our systems have a habit of breaking down when outside conditions infiltrate our ageing bodies, finding all the weak spots.

Over the past month I have lost a few of my dear friends in a final parting. With each person I have felt the loss of a little chunk of special love.

It is so important to make time for people then with the final departure we can say with gratitude, ‘‘Thanks for the memories’’.

When I look around our town there are many who have wanted to leave something tangible to show they too have trod this same planet.

A favourite thing to give is a seat which can be placed on a spot which was special to that person.

Usually the seat will carry a plaque with a name or a message. If the name is known to me it brings back memories. If it is an unknown name, I simply sit and imagine.

Last year I was in Seattle for a short time. I took a photo of a plaque on a seat down by the waterfront.

The name simply said, ‘‘Essie’’. Then it read, ‘‘Thanks for the coffee talk and wisdom’’, implying that Essie had been a very special friend to someone.

Then it had another unfinished sentence which was intriguing.

‘‘Every day is a winding road ...’’

I sat on the seat pondering, what kind of wisdom did Essie give which helped her friend unwind and find a way to face each different day.

We do not have to wait to leave memories behind for others to think on. We can live our memories in the here and now.