When you remember me,
it means that you
have carried something
of who I am with you,
that I have left some mark
of who I am on who you are.
It means that you can summon me back
to your mind even though countless years
and miles stand between us.
It means that if we ever meet again,
you will know me.
It means that after I die,
you can still see my face
and hear my voice
and speak to me in your heart.
For as long as you remember me,
I am never entirely lost.
When I’m feeling most ghost-like,
it’s your remembering me
that helps remind me
that I actually exist.
When I’m feeling sad,
it’s my consolation.
When I’m happy,
it’s part of why I feel that way.
If you forget me,
one of the ways I remember who I am
will be gone.
If you forget me,
part of who I am
will be gone.
Frederick Buechner
