Memories that last

“Ten years” were the two words I both fell asleep ad woke up thinking. It’s hard to believe this time 10 years ago I was standing in a church repeating wedding vows. But that’s the funny thing about time. It can go by in an instant yet leave you with memories that last forever.

In that 10 year span I’ve seen plenty. Two kids born with issues that sent them to ICU just hours after I saw them, loss of family, friends and other loved ones, changes on the political scene I never imagined. And don’t even get me started on how technology has advanced communication in the world, while also leaving a feeling that it’s also hindered the way we speak to and treat each other.

This year also marks my third in Thermopolis. Again, it seems to have gone by in the blink of an eye but the experiences I’ve had, people I’ve met and sights I’ve seen in that time will be cherished as I continue to make Thermop memories in the years to come.

I’ve seen amazing caring for one’s neighbors in this town, through fundraisers and cookie jar auctions and especially the number of people who stood up to face down legislative attacks on our senior population.

I’ve also seen the flip side of that coin, with people and organizations slandering and competing against each other — most times anonymously — but even the negative is something to keep in mind and use as a tool to affect some change. At the very least, it can remind us of what can happen when tempers fly and possibly save us from repeat incidents in the future.

Ten years and more is already plenty to look back on, but I’m already looking forward to seeing what memories come with the next 10, and the next.