Memories they soon delete by Osvaldo

Memories they soon delete by Osvaldo - June 2014 Scholarship Essay

The common basic body functions, are adolescently forgotten. Moments in arms are rendered useless, legs no longer able to feel the ground underneath, stutter in what appears to be words, and mood swings with no reason... If I were to write a book, it would be about an old man who is suffering from Alzheimer's and is on the brink of complete memory loss. With an incurable disease, this fragile old man comes to ends, until all that’s left are memories that soon delete.

As this disease riddles a man whom has experienced more than his great share. Takes his time to stroll down a path, where a large blank canvas meets at the end. There memories remain. Where a string of recollection occurs, and the entire blank canvas soon is gulfed by a motion of pictures.

Immediately, the first to thing to pop up is the number 4012. The codes for bananas, at a grocery store, where one once worked at a young age. Soon followed by a barrage of feelings and moments; Christmas Eves a kid. Summers as a teenager. Sincere compliments. Childhood wonder and optimism. Falling in love. The shiver of a song. The feeling of coming home. Even the simplest of memoires are those we wish we could bottle. Where the simplicity of things are what are truly cringe worthy.

Then, those surreal moments that you can't forget even if you tired. Those feelings and moments, that are forever trying to be recaptured; Sixteen years old, newly licensed, and driving by yourself, window down and favorite cassette in the tape deck. Such a risk of independence, happiness, and endless possibilities, with not a car in the world. To that first kiss with your first love. The innocence... butterflies, chills, goose bumps, and giggles. Memories don’t just happen without risk involved. Where those spur of moments; of not knowing what's going to happen afterwards are some of the best experiences one can enjoy.

Yet, those harsh moments of reality come barring down too. As you experience the loss of friendships, relationships, and family. Where final words are said on top of podium, in front of a crowd of silence and red eyes. As the woman who loved you from birth, who welcomed you from school, and who guided you on to the path is no longer there to greet you once more. Memories like these, even if one didn’t want them, are a part of life. You learn to accept things and continue forward. Making the most of what's left.

If I were to write a book, it would be full of no regrets. It'd be filled with pages of chances and risk. Words of life lessons and growth. Where simplest things in life, make it so much bearable. Those years spent living, making mistakes, loving, learning, weren't for nothing. And only proof needed is right there... And as the night broke into the day, all that remained was a smile.