Much as I’m a lover of photographic recaps, I tend to shy away from those online trends which nudge each person to produce a photo from a decade ago, as if this alone provides some deep perspective into the life he or she has led over the course of the last 10 years.

A picture may be worth a thousand words, but there is always far more to the story.

As I contemplated whether or not to participate, I reflected on my own memories of 2009, and attempted to stack them up against the current portrait of my life.

Ten years ago, I was living at home, spending much time in my “suite” of rooms on the upper level of our cape in good ol’ Lindy. The name Sandy was solely associated with my aunt, and there was no reason to believe our neighborhood—and our lives—would be turned upside down in just three short autumns.

Only a few years removed from college, I had begun my journey at South Bay, rising through the ranks from an editorial assistant of sorts to associate editor to, on the heels of the financial crisis of 2008 and the massive downsizing which followed, managing editor of the whole operation. I was well on the way to amassing a fairly sizable local following, having penned about 200 columns by that time, though if you had asked me then if I saw myself continuing down this career path for nearly another decade, I likely would have laughed.

My friends, by and large, have remained the same—a comforting thought in a world which makes it incredibly easy to drift apart. Social media was only just beginning to blossom, with a flurry of my former classmates setting up Facebook accounts to reconnect with old high school friends and catch up across the miles. Though months, or even years, may pass between gatherings, the ability to pick up as if no time has elapsed remains—the ultimate test of true friendship.

Of course, when looking back, it’s difficult to do so without noting those who have passed on, and there have been many. Ten years is a long time; longer still when you consider the countless holidays and family gatherings which have come and gone without their familiar presence. Traditions have evolved, chairs around the table remain empty—but the memories...they serve as proof of the indelible impact made.

As Thanksgiving approaches, and we all consider those many things to be grateful for in our own respective lives, let us not forget to acknowledge the past as well. It has framed our present, and continues to steer our journey as we move forward toward new and exciting horizons.

Reminiscences needn’t be melancholy. They’re simply windows to a world we continue to carry with us, each and every day.

{Published: November 23, 2019