How long does it take for something to become a memory? The obvious answer is right after it happens. But, that’s not what I’m thinking about. I’m thinking more about years rather than minutes. For me I have discovered that what pictures I have of my memories are mostly in black and white. That’s because I grew up in the 1950’s and 1960’s. Color photography wasn’t the everyday thing. That was reserved for the more wealthy among us. That is the era I generally think of when I’m talking about a memory. It is odd, even to me, because of that being so very long ago. I’ve done most of my living after that time.

Today when I talk about memories other than those of my childhood it is with my wife, kids, grandkids and a few other acquaintances and friends. The reason being, I share those memories with them. It is all very obvious really, no great philosophical thinking involved. But I am thinking that something doesn’t really become a memory until it is gone for good. Our most treasured memories are created when the people or places that shared the memory are gone. Until that time the memory is subject to revision.

It’s a thought I have had over the years, this revision of memory. Having talked with my siblings I did experience some revised memory, things weren’t really what I had thought them to be. It isn’t always a bad thing, just a surprising thing. It can alter your reality though. Now that two of my siblings are gone those memories will not be revised any further. I alone carry those memories. It’s a responsibility. In that regard, I will have the final word.

Here in this new century I don’t just have photographs, I have videos. Back all those years ago there was super eight film and cameras for those infamous home movies. I didn’t know anyone that could afford that! There were the slide shows that were in living color, a Kodak carousel being the top of the line thing. I was given the slide projector and slides that belonged to my wife’s Uncle George. They contain his memories, in color. Sadly, for the most part the stories, the people and the places are lost to time. Slides are a silent thing when the one taking them is no longer with us. Silent memories.

Today we all leave a digital footprint. That’s what I’m told by the experts on such things. We have to guard against Trolls and scammers. Our social media profiles are out there, in the cyber world somewhere, resting on a server. A great deal of your information is out there for someone, anyone, to extract should they desire to do so. We hear about privacy concerns all the time. Nothing is private if you type it on the internet! I have determined it is best to have no expectation of privacy whatsoever. The only way to ensure privacy is by complete and utter silence. Memories ensure silence. When you become the sole caretaker of that memory no one can alter it. It becomes a silent memory.

My brothers and sister. I’m the baby here.