Roller Coaster.

"She had a cross around her neck

And a flower in her hand

That I picked from the side of Thomas Drive

On our way to the sand

We found an old wooden chair

Still warm from the sun

Pushed it back, gave me a kiss

With Bacardi on her lips

And I was done"

We all have memories. It's probably one of the greatest features of being a human being. We base many of our decisions off of what we have learned, but then there are the memories that are purely emotional;  those decisions, whether good or bad, are what make life and love the deepest emotions we possess.

This time of year many memories from the past coming rushing forward. As the Cardinals were in the playoffs, I remembered being 10 years old and the feeling of watching them lose in seven games to the Detroit Tigers. It's still painful. Why after more than 45 years? Because it's a memory that dug deep and molded me.

As the years have gone by, new experiences—the ones that made me who I am today—are hanging around. It might be something as trivial as wondering what time we would be leaving to Trick or Treat? Or the person who actually made me do a trick for candy. I couldn't come up with one and she said, "Sorry and closed the door." For someone who was my size—I was large—that was a loss. Crazy I still remember it.

But as time went by new memories took hold. As you might guess there was the pain and wonderment of what love actually is and how come it makes you feel so vulnerable. I will never fully understand.

It was a long time ago when I met someone who really rocked my world. It was really a long time ago; although it was very painful, when we walked our separate ways, it provided a path of what it was really like to feel that strong about another human being. One who was not a relative. Fortunately it was a learning experience that could be applied the next time my world was truly turned "upside down"—-that one turned out to be a lot better. If you know what I am talking about, I suspect right now you are glossing over "Snap.Shot." with other thoughts moving from back of the head forward.

The memories from long ago are more than just emotional—they are very visual as well. It might be the neckless worn, the scent, or just the look. Whatever was left when the moment went by, it stood around long enough to be etched forever. 

I am very fortunate to have what I believe is a fairly good memory. Sure I have forgotten a lot, but for the moments I truly want to remember, the trigger points that make them jump forward make me realize how much I have learned in life. 

The photo above was taken at Six Flags this past summer. Although, I can't recall the year, or  too much about her, one summer, one magic day, I fell in love on a roller coaster. After things didn't work out, my emotions took over and it was a ride that took a long time to exit—I am so thankful for what I learned that day, no matter how difficult it was in the end to shake off the memories.

Thanks for stopping by.