Memories + Memoirs
On Remembering + Remembrances
Yesterday, I spent my “Sunday Fun Day” reading an unpublished memoir a friend shared with me. It was written by a man he met at church who recently passed away. His family shared it with those who attended his memorial. Truly beautiful…
Not being the biggest (or fastest) reader, I wasn’t sure I would finish it. But as I read, I discovered countless parallels between his life and mine. Hooked, I only took breaks to eat and nap.
Since the book isn’t public, I’ll just say that despite our nearly 50-year age difference, the memories of this fellow Texan-by-birth, Californian-by-choice resonated with me on a deeply personal level.
His memories and recollections transported me through decades of experiences that, while not my own, felt intimately familiar. The struggles of youth, the search for belonging, the exhilaration of professional pursuits, and the ever-present tug between roots and reinvention—all echoed my own journey.
Memoirs, whether published or shared in confidence, hold a certain magic. They remind us that stories don’t just belong to those who live them; they belong to those who read them, remember them, and find parts of themselves reflected in the pages. In this man’s recollections, I saw proof of a life well-lived, filled with love, passion, and perseverance—a life worth remembering.
It made me think about how we document our own histories. What stories do we leave behind? What details will others latch onto? Will they find inspiration, solace, or even just a moment of recognition in what we share?
Reading his words reminded me that memory isn’t just about looking back; it’s about connection and finding common ground. It’s about passing down laughter, lessons, and love in ways that bridge geography and time.
And maybe, just maybe, reading others’ memories can be a little push to keep us all sharing more of our own histories and stories, whether for the world or just for those who might one day need them.
Write it down…and pass it on!
Clint 🌈✌️
BOOKS = FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION
ON THIS DAY = MARCH 10
BIRTHDAYS
1903 = Clare Boothe Luce = American playwright, journalist, and diplomat
1917 = David Hare = American Surrealist sculptor, photographer and painter
1924 = Angela Morley = English composer and conductor 🌈
1931 = John Rechy = Mexican-American novelist and essayist 🌈
1933 = Ralph Emery = American country music radio and television host
1940 = Chuck Norris = American actor, producer, and martial artist
1940 = David Rabe = American playwright and screenwriter
1942 = Peter Berlin = German photographer, model, and artist 🌈
1944 = Richard Gant = American actor
1946 = Gérard Garouste = French contemporary artist
1953 = Paul Haggis = Canadian filmmaker
1958 = Sharon Stone = American actor and artist
1961 = Mitch Gaylord = American gymnast and actor
1962 = Jasmine Guy = American actor, singer, and director
1963 = Rick Rubin = American record producer
1964 = Neneh Cherry = Swedish singer-songwriter
1964 = Prince Edward = Duke of Edinburgh
1966 = Edie Brickell = American singer-songwriter
1971 = Jon Hamm = American actor and director
1972 = Timbaland = American rapper and producer
1974 = Jean Wyllys = Brazilian lecturer, journalist and politician 🌈
1977 = Robin Thicke = American singer-songwriter
1979 = Danny Pudi = American actor
1982 = Thomas Middleditch = Canadian-American comedian and actor
1983 = Carrie Underwood = American singer-songwriter
1983 = Janet Mock = American writer, TV host, and activist 🌈
1984 = Olivia Wilde = American actor and director
1994 = Bad Bunny = Puerto Rican rapper, actor, and wrestler
EVENTS
1535 = Tomás de Berlanga discovers the Galápagos Islands by chance on his way to Peru.
1778 = According to George Washington’s letters, Lieutenant Frederick Gotthold Enslin is tried for attempting to commit sodomy with a soldier. Enslin is later, on March 15th, “dismissed with Infamy” from the Continental Army.
1876 = The first successful telephone test is made by Alexander Graham Bell.
1977 = Astronomers discover the rings of Uranus.
1985 = William M. Hoffman’s play about AIDS, As Is, premieres.
1995 = Muriel’s Wedding is released in US theaters.
1997 = Buffy The Vampire Slayer premieres on The WB.
HOLIDAYS + OBSERVANCES
PORTRAIT + QUOTE OF THE DAY
“Everyone has a secret fantasy life. I show you that it is possible, you know, to turn your sexual fantasy into reality, if you dare to.”
Peter Berlin
DISCLAIMER
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Clint and all, in the earliest recognizable photo of myself. I am wearing a Roy Rogers outfit, without the guns my father would never allow, sitting on a living room chair, plastic cover removed, and beaming such a wonderful smile. I hope to become that boy again.
That was absolutely lovely and thoughtful of you, ELT. Alright if I share what you wrote with A.W’s surviving relatives?