One Woman s View: Wallow in nostalgia
Contributing writer
A few weeks ago residents of my end of the county were treated to a trip down Memory Lane — or rather Memory Railroad. The Union Pacific sent Steam Locomotive No. 844 on an excursion through the Midwest as a public relations effort, and I got to see it up close, when it spent a couple of days in Herington. Steps were provided to see inside the cab, and one of the cars was stocked with souvenirs for sale. Then the train headed on west. A number of Tampa people stood down by the tracks to watch the train go through and wave at the engineer.
This was the last steam locomotive built for the Union Pacific in 1944 and, I think, the largest. It weighs nearly a million pounds or 454 tons. The driving wheels are 80 inches in diameter. It is capable of exceeding 100 miles per hour.
All of this brought back some of the most pleasant memories of my childhood. I grew up about a quarter of a mile from the railroad. Countless times I have stood near the track to wave at the train crew, who always waved back. Not as many crew members were visible on the train coming through earlier this month, but one thing hadn't changed. The engineer and fireman returned our waves with a friendly smile.
Another journey into nostalgia occurred when I began leading a reminiscence time at the medical center's long-term care unit. About a dozen residents and I sat in a cozy circle. Since it was the Friday before Mother's Day, I read a short essay containing memories of the author's grandmother and invited the participants to share memories of their parents, grandparents, and other mentors in their lives.
Not everyone was eager to talk, but several told stories of their childhood. One of the women recalled receiving an embroidery project as a gift. This was apparently something she could hardly wait to do, and she settled down to begin it one Sunday afternoon. Her father let her know emphatically that his family were Christians and did not work on the Sabbath. Through her disappointment, his reproach had stayed in her mind all these years as an example of her parents passing on their values.
A man remembered his mother had been a midwife who often was away from home at odd hours delivering the neighbors' babies. Needless to say, I shared a few of my own memories, since it nearly is impossible for me not to talk. I believe all this talk helped us feel close to those who have gone before us and to honor their legacy.
Some people disapprove of "living in the past." However, I think it is healthy to hold our life experiences in our memories and examine them every now and then, especially the good memories. It helps us understand who we are today and how we got there. Besides it can bring us a lot of pleasure. It is bad for old timers to live in the past (or for teenagers to live in the future) only if it keeps them from appreciating the present. If it helps them relish the present moment, then it enriches their lives.
We are approaching Memorial Day. When I was a child, many older people called it Decoration Day, because it was a time to visit cemeteries and decorate the graves of loved ones. I prefer Memorial Day, because it stresses the element of memory, of honoring the dead with loving memories of them. To me that is much more important than sticking a few flowers on their graves.
Of course, Memorial Day also is a patriotic holiday with an emphasis on remembering those who lost their lives in war and those who served in the military. I will try to attend the service the Veterans of Foreign Wars presents at the little cemetery where my family is buried and to put flags on the graves of my grandfather, my brother, and some of my cousins, including one who was killed in World War II. It is good to honor their sacrifice.
Some people believe our observance of the holiday has become too focused on recreation, and we have neglected this patriotic side. Perhaps, but I believe the element of cherishing and sharing memories and building new ones is equally important. It is a time for drawing closer to family and friends. After the service at the cemetery, I expect to attend the Carneiro reunion, a coming together of people who have memories of the village where I grew up. Although the town almost has disappeared, we like to go there and remember and renew old friendships.
Wherever you go and whatever you do for Memorial Day, I hope all your memories are good ones. Go ahead and wallow in nostalgia; it is good for your mental health.
