Memories in Black and White

There are two parts to the memory.

One is distant and grainy. It seems so very far in the past. I think my parents were gone and my beloved Grandma Naomi was keeping us. It is all in black and white, even the TV screen. The visuals are all a blur, a monochromatic blur.

The other part seems like yesterday, and that is the part in my heart. She asked that we always remember, that we promise we would never, ever forget. I promised, "Oh yes, Grandma, I will always remember. I promise. I will never forget. This is very important. History is very important".

And so it was, in July of 1969, when my Grandma impressed on my that man walking on the moon was monumental. I was three-and-a-half. I really did not understand why it mattered, but my heart was devoted to her and I could sense her optimism and joy over this great event. She had seen a lot of bad times in our country, so I imagine this made her feel very happy about the world her grandchildren would inherit.

I kept my kids home to watch the Obama Inauguration, and I'll keep them home on other days of great importance to the history of our country.

It is a gift she gave me, to appreciate history when it is happening. Love the joy that has brought me, and hope my children will feel it too.