Keeping Memories Alive Through Forever Legacy

BY LINDA NWOKE

The memory serves as a record of experiences that directs future action. It is a combination of facts and experiences that people recall or, in some instances, resurface involuntarily without much effort. Interestingly, there are several types of memories, each serving a distinct objective. For instance, personal memories provide the basis for a sense of self and life, bringing about nostalgia. However, over time, memories fade, and the details of a particular incident or experience become eroded.

Problems With Memory

Sadly, memory loss is a natural phenomenon in human life, as brain cells become weakened from aging, trauma, or lack of frequent usage, which leads to forgetfulness. The brain is incapable of permanently recording everything a person learns or experiences.

Memory loss can range from mild to severe. It can sometimes be temporary or permanent damage from memory disorders like dementia and Alzheimer, brain injury, or other causes. In some cases, people with amnesia lose the ability to recall past information, retain new information, or both. However, some get resolved on their own.

A professional assessment is required to determine the cause of the memory loss and the level of severity.

The Role of Memory in Mental Health

An individual's memory plays a significant role in particular mental health conditions. For instance, the memory of traumatic events is related to post-traumatic stress disorder. Anxiety leads some people into drug /substance use, while specific memories cause distress.

Memories and Familial Relationship

Every relationship is made up of memories, and collective memories define a relationship. The memories remind us of our feelings toward each other. It reminds us about how much we mean to each other.

When the memories are mainly positive, filled with laughter and fun, we feel satisfied with the person(s) within the relationship. Alternatively, the reverse is when we have negative memories in our relationship, with the recall of negative emotions and distress.

Thus, memories play a significant role in molding a relationship irrespective of its nature, especially within a family unit.

Importance of Keeping Memories

Several memories are built within the family, ranging from celebration to grief and in-betweens.

Celebrations bring fond memories of new beginnings, winnings, and joys. At the same time, the death of a beloved is accompanied by a sense of loss and grief. In the bid to recover from the loss, the grieving process must take place, and one of the ways is by keeping the memories of the deceased alive, often deemed therapeutic.

Many people feel obliged to do something special to remember their deceased loved one. Simple things can keep their memories alive and close to the heart. These include participating in their favorite past times, framing their pictures, reading their favorite books, creating artistic pieces from their heirloom, to lighting a candle on their special days.

Many things can be done to honor their memory. However, some of these activities last more than others. Ultimately, a remarkable, memorable legacy transcends generations, and the most effective way is through digital pieces.

Memories Are Essential

•It helps the living to keep their legacy alive. This is true for loved ones, who is considered a mentor or role model, and significantly impact the lives of their family members and people around them. Their memories can be kept alive through books about them – sharing their struggles and winnings, including their impact on their community. These can serve to inspire the future generation. The process can also be a means of healing as one grapples with loss and absence.

•They can also be remembered by keeping essential pieces of their person around in the form of pictures, jewelry, or objects that can be passed from one generation to another. Seeing those objects is a constant reminder of important aspects of their personality while alive. These things can generate happy memories that help the grieving person deal with the loss, especially when it is most challenging.

•The passing of a loved one can result in an identity crisis, especially for the living spouse or family member whose life revolves around the deceased. In such instances, feeling lost and confused after their death is normal and is part of the grieving process.

Therefore, finding ways to connect with the loved one and keep their thoughts alive is a positive way to manage the loss. However, it is important not to remain in the mourning phase for too long or sorrowful.

Acknowledge the hurt and know that the pain is for a period. It won't last forever. Instead, focus on the good memories shared, and keep busy to avoid negative thoughts.

The grieving process can be complicated and lengthy. Thus, remembering our loved ones helps us find closure and move on with living. Feelings of sadness, anger or depression are also typical, as they are natural emotions and part of the grieving process. Sometimes, without being judgmental, it might be necessary to talk to someone who will listen, such as a family member, friend, or therapist.

Talking about your feelings will help you process them and eventually start to