Memory Lane and The Circle of Life

The past few days have been awash with all sorts of emotions, a real journey down memory lane, and a true reminder of the circle of life. I felt like I relieved my entire childhood in 4 days, and while there were so many familiar experiences, there were also so many new ones. I drove past my grandparents old condo, and it felt very strange going right by it instead of going in. I felt very nostalgic for the great times I have had in that place, more than 20 years worth. I also drove past the house I grew up in. It was really strange being with my wife, our growing child in her belly, and looking at the house where I spent the first 5 years of my life. Surreal doesn't really even begin to describe it. Another landmark on memory lane was the hospital where I spent a lot of time as a kid, whether visiting my pediatrician, or recovering from an ailment related to my genetic disease. I am grateful for all of the healing that took place there, and while some of my memories from this place are not great, overall it was nice to drive by, knowing just how far I have come since then. It wasn't just reflecting on my own past that made me keenly aware of the ebb and flow of life however. I spent time with some of the friends that I had when I was just a little boy. One of my best friends from that time of my life was literally the girl next door. We used to spend hours upon hours together from the time we were born until we could walk, talk, and play together. She even reminded me that once we got into an argument, and I climbed over the wall in the yard and went home. This time however, rather than arguing or playing house, I met her 3 year old son. It was amazing to see her child at the age in which her and I used to play. How strange and magical life is, moving faster and faster every day it seems. This meeting was not my only reminder however. I also spent time with more family friends, people who have known me my entire life, longer than most people who I know today in the U.S. Most of them are grandparents now, sharing their love and support with their children's children, the way they used to love and support me. Seeing all of these changes, all of the new life coming into the world, is the circle of life at its best. It warmed my heart, and made me smile. On the other end of the spectrum, I was reminded too about the sadder side of life's circle, that at some point our journeys in this world end. I went to the cemetery to visit my grandfather's resting place. I was moved to tears, the kind I couldn't have held back even if I tried. My grandfather and I had a very special relationship, and I learned so very much from him while he was here. I truly miss him, and visiting his grave made his absence all the more real. While at the cemetery, I found myself paying respect at another grave too, one that I hadn't expected to visit. It was the grave of my childhood doctor, the man who figured out what was going on with me as a child, and the one who did all he could to keep me healthy and alive when I was a very sick little boy. He passed away just 7 months ago after a long battle with cancer. I only wish I could have done something to help him, the way he had helped me so long ago. Once again I found myself moved to tears, the kind that flowed upwards from the depths of my soul, and ran down my cheeks. I gave thanks to this great man for all of the work that he had done for me and so many others while he was alive. While at the cemetery, standing at the graves of 2 men who played such important roles in my life, I couldn't help but think how much I owed to them both. Without either one of them, I most certainly wouldn't be here today. I could go on and on about each of them, and all of the other amazing people I revisited on this trip in Johannesburg, but alas, this is a blog, not a novel. In closing, I will say this though: These past 4 days have reminded me just how sacred and special life is. Truly a divine gift. I for one will do the best I can to make the most of it, and I hope you will do the same. I may only be 32 years old, but already I have seen just how fast this journey we call life moves. Stop. Breathe. Connect. Remember, each and every moment is special. Learn from the hard times, the challenges, as they will make you stronger, better, more alive. Remember that they will pass. Love and cherish the good times, the blessings you are given, the friends and family that you have, because they too will make you better, more full of life, and they too shall pass. Share your life, and share your love, share your smiles and also your tears. For it is through sharing these moments with the ones you love that we pave memory lane, and weave together our very own circle of life . . .