City of Darien, IL
06/09/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/09/2022 14:53
Mayor's Message - June 9
"Life is about creating beautiful memories" - Suraiya Knudson
"The greatest joys of life are happy memories. Your job is to create as many of
them as possible." - Brian Tracy
"Preserve your memories. They're all that's left you" - "Old Friends/Bookends"
- Simon and Garfunkel
I lost a friend and work acquaintance last week, which put me in a reflective mood; I thought how life seems to move by so rapidly, and as I find myself saying goodbye to good friends and family, I also find myself recounting the memories of the things we did and shared together. I have come to realize that life is about creating memories, beautiful memories that will assist us in remembering the events in our lives that helped to mold us into the people we are today.
When I find myself reflecting on my childhood or my early adult years, I have fond memories of family celebrations: Christmas Eve at my Grandma Liza's home with her great food and her handing out slices of "gravy on bread," or our opening the special gifts bought for us by our Uncle Tony, my father's youngest brother.
I remember living in my Grandma Rose's three flat apartment building on the west side of the city, and how every night, she would come upstairs to watch TV with us, and she always brought a packet of Juicy Fruit gum. I have these and other great memories of Birthdays, First Communions and other celebrations which brought the entire family together.
As I recount my childhood memories, I think about my sons, now adults, and how they might remember their parents and grandparents as well as the significant events in their lives. When we get together, I hear them laugh at the stories they tell of their remembrances; Nanna's large Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts; how Papa always scolded them for "ruining" his TV remote control, Grandma Dolores and Grandpa Chuck taking them to baseball games (Cubs) as well as all our family activities and our vacations to Disney World. When I hear their laughter, as they recount these events, I know that they will always remember their grandparents and their growing up as a beautiful part of their life.
Finally, as I think about my grandchildren, Jake and Ella, and how they will remember their grandparents, I realize that it is our responsibility to create the beautiful memories that they will someday share with their children. While life will always provide obstacles, we each need to find time to be with and share a part of ourselves with others, especially our family members. We need to share the sad moments, but emphasize the happy times. Attend their sporting events, take them to a movie or simply sit with them and ask them about their lives. I believe in my heart that I am working toward that, and some day when I am gone, my children and grandchildren will be able to gather together and reminisce about their lives, and do so with a smile on their face, laughter in their voice and a small tear in their eyes. Find time to create beautiful memories, "they're all that's left you."
"The greatest joys of life are happy memories. Your job is to create as many of
them as possible." - Brian Tracy
"Preserve your memories. They're all that's left you" - "Old Friends/Bookends"
- Simon and Garfunkel
I lost a friend and work acquaintance last week, which put me in a reflective mood; I thought how life seems to move by so rapidly, and as I find myself saying goodbye to good friends and family, I also find myself recounting the memories of the things we did and shared together. I have come to realize that life is about creating memories, beautiful memories that will assist us in remembering the events in our lives that helped to mold us into the people we are today.
When I find myself reflecting on my childhood or my early adult years, I have fond memories of family celebrations: Christmas Eve at my Grandma Liza's home with her great food and her handing out slices of "gravy on bread," or our opening the special gifts bought for us by our Uncle Tony, my father's youngest brother.
I remember living in my Grandma Rose's three flat apartment building on the west side of the city, and how every night, she would come upstairs to watch TV with us, and she always brought a packet of Juicy Fruit gum. I have these and other great memories of Birthdays, First Communions and other celebrations which brought the entire family together.
As I recount my childhood memories, I think about my sons, now adults, and how they might remember their parents and grandparents as well as the significant events in their lives. When we get together, I hear them laugh at the stories they tell of their remembrances; Nanna's large Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts; how Papa always scolded them for "ruining" his TV remote control, Grandma Dolores and Grandpa Chuck taking them to baseball games (Cubs) as well as all our family activities and our vacations to Disney World. When I hear their laughter, as they recount these events, I know that they will always remember their grandparents and their growing up as a beautiful part of their life.
Finally, as I think about my grandchildren, Jake and Ella, and how they will remember their grandparents, I realize that it is our responsibility to create the beautiful memories that they will someday share with their children. While life will always provide obstacles, we each need to find time to be with and share a part of ourselves with others, especially our family members. We need to share the sad moments, but emphasize the happy times. Attend their sporting events, take them to a movie or simply sit with them and ask them about their lives. I believe in my heart that I am working toward that, and some day when I am gone, my children and grandchildren will be able to gather together and reminisce about their lives, and do so with a smile on their face, laughter in their voice and a small tear in their eyes. Find time to create beautiful memories, "they're all that's left you."