The Flowchart of Memory

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Whenever I am out and about and happen to pass a Weeping Willow tree, I recall a specific childhood memory. My Pap-pa (pronounced papaw) sold and delivered propane. I visited him as a child for a week each summer, and we would often be up and out for deliveries in the early morning. I sometimes rode in the back of his pickup, and can remember the goosebumps on my skin from the cool morning air. Pap-pa knew everyone personally in his very rural area, and he was a talker. He jawed away with everyone, never in a hurry. I remember one beautiful setting where there was a large weeping willow tree. It’s branches reached all the way to the ground and all the way around. I’d move the branches aside like a beaded curtain and play inside. As a child it was a magical place where my mind could take me to all sorts of pretend places….a forest hideaway, a castle. It made me feel cozy and safe. This small moment leads me to others about my love for and time spent with my Pap-pa. What small moments are forever with you?

Why?

It’s a big question. Why write? I believe the answer depends on the type of writing…fiction, nonfiction, children’s, poetry, op ed, essay. In this space I am mostly interested in leaving something of myself behind when I move forward. Thus, it is mostly for me, for my children, for my grandchildren and quite possibly for others when I become the ancestor. That’s memoir. An added benefit might be to jog my memory of things long past which might pop up. I have found that when I write, one memory leads to another. They are quite often miniscule things of no importance but impacted me as a child, thus another why is simply for myself.

What is your why?