[Nevertheless] We Remember

2018 was a difficult year for many. Nevertheless, we remember.

As is tradition on New Year's Eve in my family, we gathered in our living room and emptied a year's worth of memories out of our Memory Jar. Usually it's just the seven of us - myself, my husband, and five children. This year, we added a boyfriend and a best friend to the mix. We each grabbed a handful of memories out of the jar and took turns reading, recounting, explaining, and sharing stories. 

Of course, the best, brightest memories make it into the jar - time spent at Camp Calumet, funny family moments, adventures with friends, movies seen, plays experienced as actor or audience member, beginnings, and endings. Personal, sometimes sad memories make it there, too ... such as a memorial card from the death of a friend or family member. We remember those people with love and fondness as well.

As we journeyed through 2018 through slips of paper, artifacts, and more, we paused to share with those who were not part of the experiences the significance of certain things. 

"It's like 8:30!" has become a part of our family. Upon leaving the movies a little after 6:00PM this Summer, we paused to make sure we had everything and everyone before heading to the van. A young boy emerged into the sunlight and exclaimed, "It's still bright out here ..... and it's like EIGHT-THIRTY!" For some reason the way he said it and his utter amazement struck us all as funny ... and is now something we say, especially when it's earlier than we thought when we look at the time.

Some memories have to carefully selected, as some memories made with the young adult crowd aren't necessarily appropriate for the ten and thirteen year olds. Like Cards Against Humanity results.

What a way to end a difficult year - as a family, sharing the best experiences of the year and people who have touched our lives, with love and laughter.