Forgetting to Remember...without an option

eternal sunshine
Originally uploaded by andebos.

"How happy is the blameless vestal's lot! The world fogetting, by the world forgot. Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind! Each pray'r accepted, and each wish resign'd."

- Alexander Pope, "Eloisa to Abelard"

Tonight we watched Eternal Sunshine of the spotless mind, interesting movie. I loved it, others hate it...but regardless it begs to ask the question, "if you could forget something or someone from your life, would you?" I must confess my first gut instict, coming from emotion, pain, loss, and sadness, said sure - sign me up. However, I feel that is the point of the movie. The lure of this idea is tempting, but, as the movie progresses you realize - as you surely would with a bit of thought - that you really don't want to forget. In my own life I thought of several things worth forgetting...mostly revolving around relationships. Naturally, those watching the movie asked, "would you forget about the broken engagement?" At first I said yes, maybe. But the truth is that all these things make us who we truly are today. It is these events and these people who have helped mold us into ourselves. As much as we would like to forget certain spots of our lives we must accept the fact that the people and events have taught us lessons and are now forever part of us. As I go through life I am, in a sense, a little bit of all those who have shared life with me. My family, close friends, loved ones, even those who have hurt me, make up the person I am today. The next hard question you have to ask is, "what about the parts of you that you don't like....would you erase the people and events in your life that brought about that part in yourself?" My answer to all of these questions is no. I cannot talk about a life that does not exist...this is my life, ugly and beautiful, and I move forward as best I can with as much hope and faith that I will overcome all the adversities that lie before me. Using all the people who have helped me become, and continue to become, the man I am today. I love you all, for the joy, love, and pain you have given me...I am thankful for the intertwining of our stories.