I Remember

I remember the first time I heard an airplane soar in a post 9/11 sky

I remember hearing that engine slice through the sound barrier, thus breaking the silence that pervaded the clouds

I remember how good it felt to be held in his arms

I remember feeling as if no matter what was going on around me, all was right in our world

I remember where I was when that devastating earthquake struck my parents’ homeland

I remember the helplessness and heartache as images of dilapidation and death flashed across the screen

I remember the news media stopping their coverage, as if it was just a mere memory and not an ongoing reality

I remember when I first admitted to myself I had feelings for him

I remember my disappointment  when I learned my feelings were unrequited

I remember the personal victory I gained from dealing with it all head on rather than cowering in a corner not knowing what to say

I remember many lessons learned from that small defeat

I remember to keep my head up, but my heart guarded

I remember the first time I started to put my thoughts to pen and paper

I remember how good it felt to release my bottled up emotions

I remember to continue this catharsis  every once in a while

I remember that remembrance is a gift