To paraphrase a favorite line of poetry, “Even after all this time, I can still hear the sounds of him not being here.”
When a family member, a favorite someone, or even a beloved pet dies we remember him or her in countless ways.
Many people believe that sight is the strongest sense. And considering the studies of learning styles that indicate over half of us are visual learners (65%), I lean toward believing that sight does indeed play a huge role in how we remember people, events, places, and things.
We look at photographs or view videos of the people we miss. We continue to scan their Facebook page or other social media accounts, recalling what it was they posted while alive. We stare at the “things” they left behind, wanting to remember always the significance of each object.
Yes, the sense of sight plays a huge role in our remembering someone who has passed from this earth.
And even though I am part of that 65% group who leans heavily on vision skills for learning and remembering, sound is also pivotal to my recalling the essence of the person.
My son Tim’s joyous laughter and the way he would draw out the greeting, “Hello, Mama!” as he bounced through the door…
The harmony of noise my mom Bertie made as she worked in the kitchen whipping up simple but delicious meals and baked goods…
Beautifully sincere conversations my aged mother-in-law Rosalie had with God as she lay in our guest room bed…
The sound of a spoon hitting an empty peanut butter jar as my brother Bud finished that last tasty bite of his favorite treat…
My elderly Aunt Gerri opening her door and announcing to my sister and me, “I don’t know why you girls keep wanting to visit an old lady, but I’m so glad you do!”…
And yes, even the sound of Riley’s tags as they jangled together when he trotted along and the snuffling sounds he made as he scavenged the ground for early morning smells…
All these might seem like ordinary sounds but to me, they tie together precious memories.
And then I started wondering what sounds people will remember about me after I’m gone. That’s probably a good exercise for everyone to consider. Because I sure as heck don’t want anyone to recall me as constantly complaining or as someone who spewed negative words about others.
I’m pretty sure that keeping this idea about the sounds I’ll leave behind will help me be a better human being.
How does that sound to you?
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Inc.com article on learning styles
NOTE: I had a better experience just listening to it rather than watching the letters float by on the screen since typos got in the way of my just releasing myself to it. Yes, I am that person.
Thank you Norma for sharing your memories and for guiding us to remember ours.
How will I remember Norma? A soft spoken, tender soul, very intelligent, a universal mind-interested in all things, so very capable of capturing such interesting, inspiring, thought provoking, topic for all of us.
A Christian who love God and her faith and walks in the way of Christ to the world!!!!!
I know I speak for all who admire and love you!
Thanks for the good cry!!!!!!!
judy
p.s. I plan to go first
Do you mean you plan to go first before me or before Greg? If you go before me and I’m still in this area, I promise to read at your funeral. Let me know what you want me to read now. And thanks so much for the kind words. I shall treasure them always.
What an awesome post, Norma, it brought tears to my eyes, not simply because of the huge wisdom it holds, but because it immediately brought to mind my youngest’s laughter, which, I think, it sounds like a mountain stream… I simply could not imagine my life without it. Sending love to you, my friend!
It is so good to hear from you. I keep up with you on FB, but it’s not really the same as spending time! Yes, listen to that laughter. Record it. Savor it.