Anniversaries

I mentioned this somewhat in my last post, but it's been the theme of the last couple weeks in many conversations. The last two weeks have been filled with anniversaries. Two of them are particularly tragic. On May 4, 2010, we lost my uncle Eddie, and on May 14, 1983 we lost my uncle Tommy, as well as some of his friends, in a tragic car accident. There are also happy anniversaries. On May 9, 2009 I met my dog Jenny, and four days later she came home. On May 13, 2000 I graduated with my bachelor's degree. On May 10, 2010 I left for my amazing trip for Queretaro, Mexico (and I could mark important dates on that trip).

So why are these dates important? They take you back in time. There is something about knowing you have reached an anniversary that transports you to your memories. With the happy memories, it's been a lot of fun reminiscing. I have enjoyed talking about my "Jennyversary" and remarking on how she has grown and changed over two years. She is as close to a child as I have, and there is a pride to being her mother and seeing her personality come out. I have also looked back fondly over my time in Queretaro, a trip that helped me grow so much as a person. A year after my visit, I can see how much Mexico did for me and how much I want to experience it again.

For the happiness of these anniversaries, the anniversaries of the losses of Eddie and Tommy have brought sadness to my family. They bring you back to the time of the loss- how you found out, what the circumstances were, and what that loss felt like. For Eddie, the sadness was seen everywhere because it is so new. It was natural to focus on that last week, and everything in this past year that we wanted him here for, and what life would be like now with him around. Tommy's death was before I understood what death was- I was only four, so it's hard for the date to connect with me the way it does with my family, but I know how special he was and how everyone still misses him.

On one hand, the good anniversaries have been a wonderful time for reflection. On the other, the anniversaries of the losses of my uncles just made me feel a deep sadness for my family. I wish all anniversaries could be treated the same way- cherishing the best memories from the past and honoring how they affected the present. So in this month, I want to think about how much fun I had with Eddie, from games as a child, trips to Disneyland at all ages, and always laughing and smiling. And I had precious little time with Tommy, but I remember the piggyback rides, and the stories I hear about him are incredible. I will always be sad that they are gone, but I will always be thankful that they were in my life.

And now life moves forward, with more events that will lead to more anniversaries. May we treasure them all, and treasure each other.

Jenny

Queretaro, Mexico, May 10, 2010

Me and Eddie at Disneyland, 2007