How to Make a Memory

When children reach a certain age, the excitement about each day will fade, and they begin to experience the grind of each day. As the author of How to Make a Memory puts it, “Life is a little like the world itself: always spinning along, always moving forward.” On this journey, there are new surprises, like making a new friend. There also will be moments of loss when something you love comes to an end. When these happen, it is important to simply remember.

As Augustine once wrote in Confessions, human memory is how the soul interfaces with time. Just as reason brings the soul to knowledge, memory restores the heart to an understanding of reality. But how do you make a memory? That is the gist of this deeply meditative picture book for children.

People have preserved memories by using various means, such as taking pictures of birthday celebrations or drawing out a family road trip with colored pencils. Storytelling is another way to make memories. Sometimes, you will remember without much effort, such as when a melody brings you back to the past about a friend who shared the same music with you.

Our bodies also keep score of memories. We miss the warm hugs of friends or the sensations of a theme park ride. Sometimes, painful memories also come to mind. They remind you of an accident or the loss of a loved one. Remembering is to spend time with yourself and process these feelings. You can embrace the sad and happy memories instead of burying them.

Memory is a gift from God. Like our fingerprints that are unique, everyone’s memory box is also unique. When we remember and celebrate the happy moments, we love. Memories help us to become brave individuals. We know where we have been and that our stories make each one of us special and precious in God’s eyes. “Your story goes on, and your memories do too.” (Simon &Schuster)