Memoir

/ˈmemˌwär/ noun. a record of events written by a person having intimate knowledge of them and based on personal observation. Usually memoirs. an account of one's personal life and experiences; autobiography. the published record of the proceedings of a group or organization, as of a learned society.

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Week twenty-one is nearly here. We’re almost at the halfway point of Memoir Monday! Life can sometimes seem static, like it’s never going to change but that’s a false assumption and can be dangerous. When life is good we feel like those good times will last forever. On the flipside, when things are bad it feels like our luck will never change. This prompt surprised me, the feelings it dredged up, the inner truths it helped uncover. Frankly, I’m blown away by it. As you're writing your own, I hope it has a similar effect on you.

Memoir Monday has grown so much that I won’t be able to comment on everyone’s posts anymore (and get my own work done) but I’ll still be supporting your posts with reblogs, votes, and shares on my other social media accounts (X, Facebook, etc.).

For all of those who’ve regularly participated in Memoir Monday - keep going, you’re making great progress in chronicling your very own life story for future generations to enjoy.

For those who missed the inaugural post explaining what the Memoir Monday initiative is all about you can find it here.

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Now for next week’s Memoir Monday prompt:

What have been some of your life's greatest surprises?

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My answer:

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Probably one of the biggest of all of the surprises I’ve had in my life is how quickly time passes. This one thing in particular is talked about so often by middle-age folks that younger people don’t give it much relevance, I know I didn’t. Middle age comes fast and I assume old age comes even more quickly.

To borrow a phrase from the military, proper planning and practice prevents piss poor performance. For me the best plan would be to take good care of yourself physically and psychologically. Make laughing and having fun a priority. Life can be extremely hard but if you have your health, sense of humor, and mobility it makes absolutely everything easier.

Also spend time with older relatives and be patient with them. In the 70’s and early 80’s we used to visit my dad’s uncle Midge, who was really more like a father to him, every Sunday. My aunt Mary would make the best fried chicken I’ve ever had. After spending all day there my dad would tell him we had to leave and my great uncle would always say, “Jake, there’s no need to rush off.” My dad's name was Verlo but my uncle called him Jake. Old age is extremely lonely and you begin to understand that in middle age. I see now why it was so important for my dad to spend that time with his uncle.

Me, my great-uncle Midge (Curtis), their dog “Fluffy”, his wife Mary, and my brother Curt.

The next thing that surprised me was that money doesn’t bring happiness. This is something you simply can’t understand until you experience it. Money doesn’t eliminate problems it only creates new ones but it is a means to an end. It’s actually the freedom and peace of mind that the money can provide that’s the true gift. The peace of mind that all of your basic necessities are taken care of and freedom to do what you want when you want, this is the best part. Luxuries are called “trappings of wealth” for a reason. It’s best to learn how to be happy living with less. Experiences are better than things, always.

Also, how valuable writing would become to my inner peace surprises me. It started as a wish, with hard work matured into a career, but eventually blossomed into a love affair. My relationship with my craft has deepened to the point that I feel like it’s intertwined with my soul.

I now have the great luxury of not having to write for anyone but myself anymore and don’t even publish some of what I write. Writing has been with me for decades through good times and extremely bad. This craft now feels like a best friend that’s been by my side through each stage of life. It’s allowed me to be stronger than I ever imagined I could be.

The last thing I’ll write about is how fickle life is. Life is constantly changing to a greater or lesser degree and it’s unpredictable. You can’t realize the extent to which this is true until you get older. Situations and fortunes can change in an instant. People who you assume you’ll be very close with your entire life can have a change of heart or something might happen to them.

The important thing isn't having friends as much as it is being a friend to others. As you’re preparing for the future, try to focus on and enjoy the moment and those people you’re sharing that moment with as deeply as you can. This sounds much easier than it is but it’s extremely important to remember. The truth is that particular moment will never happen again. There’s so much good in this life if we simply make ourselves present for it.

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Rules of Engagement

1. Please reblog this first post and share on other social platforms so we cast the widest net possible for this initiative;
2. Pictures paint a thousand words. Include pictures in your posts if you have them;
3. Answer each Memoir Monday prompt question in your own post. If possible, the prompt question will be published in the week prior so you'll have the entire week to answer and publish your own post;
4. Have fun with it, don't worry about getting behind, or jumping into the project at any point after we've begun; and
5. Lastly, be sure to include the tag #memoirmonday.

It's that simple.

At the end of the next twelve months we'll have created something immensely valuable together. It's so important to know our "whys" in life and there's no better way to do that than this.

Someday all that will be left of our existence are memories of us, our deeds, and words. It's up to you to leave as rich of a heritage as possible for future generations to learn from. So, go ahead, tell your stories. I can't wait to read them.

Be well and make the most of this day. I want to sincerely thank all of the participants thus far. I've really enjoyed reading your posts!

~Eric Vance Walton~

(All photos are original.)

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