As we age, the number of our dead relatives, friends and acquaintances expands dramatically. Yet, some memories of those individuals, whether they died fifty years ago or just last month, remain sharp and continue to affect our lives. Indeed, in my experience, there are usually a handful of events, traits or expressions that we associate with each of them; should someone mention their name, those specific memories flood our mind.
Like personal tags, these unique mental links will forever define each person; many, if not most, will shed a positive light while some may tarnish their image. Since memories forged under the influence of intense emotion are most likely to persevere, we often recall the more joyous and more painful interactions above all others and those are the memories that, years hence, tend to shape our feelings about another individual.
Many believe that we will see them again, that we will have another chance to mend grievances or to express gratitude. Others, including myself, suspect that death is final and that we live on through our genes, through our contributions to human society and in the memories of those who knew us. We recognize the influence that the deceased had (and continue to have) on our lives and strive to ensure that our own lives inspire those who, some day, will remember us.
