THE VALUE OF MEMORIES

As the new year approaches, I wonder what it will have in store for me. Will it be Corona to leave so I could hug my friends again? Will I embrace my retirement more or simply continue?  One thing is for sure, I will make the memory last. Lately, I have been pondering what is most important to me…

At the top of the list is my grandchildren along with all other young adults who I am fortunate to share time with. They are followed by passionate people who dedicate their lives to always helping others.

As I think back on my life, the most precious thing is when great memories were made. I remember my 6-grade teacher, Mr. Krug crying from President Kennedy’s assassination. She always encouraging me to speak English because I had important things to contribute and say in both languages.

In junior high school, I remember Ms. Rosenbaum, who argued with the shop teacher why I should be the valedictorian  since I was president of the student government. The shop teacher’s point was that I had an accent, but Ms. Rosenbaum’s point was that I was able to make the presentation in both languages (English & Spanish), which I did. It helped tilted the vote that the principal, Mrs. Gaines, was instrumental in my running for student president. I often visited her office to strongly suggest overall improvements for our school.

In high school, the school counselor, Mrs. Ruth Leardi, made sure we were well prepared for college. She was very committed to the educational success of all students interested in going to college. I never knew there were so many colleges in New York City, but she reminded me that it was all my choice; not that there would be a financial or linguistic barrier.

In addition to pushing education, she also made sure her students were cultured. We went to Lincoln Center, Museum of Natural History, the Opera House, the Village for Art, and many of the Broadway plays. It all created memories I would not have had, if not for her.

Fast forward, I not only finished college but I obtained a full four-year scholarship. I not only learned English, but learned French, Italian, and Portuguese. I still have an accent but have made many important presentations, regardless.

It is these memories that have shaped me over time, and I am fortunate to have had many people in my life responsible for my advancement. With this new year (2021), it is memories I intend to share with others — to deepen compassion, wisdom, and courage to enhance their lives, and in so doing, I  also  enhance mine.

It is people like these you do not forget, people that have opened doors for so many, including me. I will never forget how I felt being the valedictorian for my school’s graduation and looking straight at my grandmother’s beaming face as she was the first one to stand up and clap for me. How I still remember…

So, go and create lasting memories….