The Memory-Go-Round

Something small like a smell or a sound can trigger a memory. An old, familiar song can remind you of something you thought was long forgotten.

We've all been on the memory-go-round at one time or another. Some of us may still be riding....spinning endlessly around and around. Sometimes the memory-go-round never stops so that you can step off safely. Sometimes it spins so fast that you feel like you might vomit. Sometimes you lose your grip and get thrown off.

You might land on a soft spot of sand and get right back on to ride some more. Sometimes you get the wind knocked out of you and have to take a break. Other times, you bleed.

If you're lucky, a playmate might give you a hand up, dust you off and make sure you're okay. You're playmate could be the one and only playmate you've had for the last 10 years. He might be the one you've run to for 17 years whenever you've been hurt. He might be the playmate that knows your heart and soul and wants to keep playing with you anyway. Or, he might be the one who sees that the memory-go-round isn't safe for you to ride on anymore and takes you to the slide or the swing set instead.

Riding the memory-go-round can be fun but you should never stay on for too long. Sometimes you just have to close your eyes, reach out for your playmate, and JUMP. If he's right, he'll be there to catch you. Mine was.