Does anyone really remember who they are? Memories are faulty. They age with the fragility of Swiss cheese; our minds sieves. Memories can be altered. We see what we think we see, not always that which is right before us. Telling a story for a number of years, and passing it between many people, can misconstrue details. Where are the hidden truths?
Writing and illustrating a book about remembering presented difficulties I had never faced in my past. In order to remember who you are, you must delve deep into your soul and find yourself. You cannot remember who you are without truly knowing who you are.
People grow and change throughout their lives. Sometimes growth is small and imperceptible. Others change monumentally. Our illness does not define us, but what does?
Do we measure ourselves based on our hobbies; our jobs?
Are we tied by invisible knots to others; gaining strength in numbers?
Do we believe that life happens to us, changing us without our knowledge?
Are we alone, or do we have support?
Is our worth dependent on our relationship with money, or power?
Are we good, kind, generous?
Do we amount to a string of adjectives?
We all follow different paths, and I believe everyone has a direction, even if they cannot see it. Do we recognize ourselves? The truth is that everyone leaves footprints. Whoever you were; whoever you are, find out and hold on.
–SJB