Looking back

Coming home for the holidays always brings back interesting memories from my past, good times and bad; who I was, what I've been through since, and where that leaves me now. It also reminds of the people of my past. It's always good to hang out with my close friends and reminisce about the good times of years long past. But there are also those reunions that do not bring back fond memories or happy feelings. They revive painful memories of that vulnerable, sheltered, naive boy I used to be. For a brief moment, I sense a bit of resentment or anger somewhere deep inside me. It reminds me that the past really does hang on the heels of the future, that I am still a human being fully capable of failure. But at the same time these memories remind me of how far I've come and encourage me to keep pushing forward. They are part of who I am. Without pain there is no growth, and without mistakes there is no learning. So here's to tomorrow's memories, good and bad, joy and struggle... I can't wait.