I was flipping through a bunch of old photographs about a week ago and I was thinking about memories to hold onto. What memories to hold onto does my mother have? What has she passed onto me? What about my father? I think that memories are worth remembering and worth talking about, so why not take a look at some of my memories that I am going to hold forever, near and dear to my heart!
1 Time with Your Grandparents
By far, one of the top memories to hold onto forever is going to be time with your grandparents. My Nana and Papa are still my favorite people in the world, and while they might not still be here, they are forever in my heart. I’ll never, ever forget anything about them and how near and dear they were to me. Remember that, girls and boys, your grandparents might not always be on the earth, but they do live in your memories!
***
Spending quality moments with your grandparents is like collecting precious gems; they sparkle in your mind long after they're gone. Think of the stories they've shared, the laughter that filled the room, and the comfort of their warm embrace. Whether it was baking cookies, sitting on the porch swing listening to old tales, or learning life lessons only they could teach, these experiences are treasures that outshine the passing of time. Cherish the wisdom they imparted and the unconditional love they gave—they're gifts that last a lifetime, shaping who you are and guiding you like a beacon through life's journey.
Frequently asked questions
2 Your First Kiss
As awkward as it was, I can’t ever forget my first kiss. It was in the middle of a park and just happened, and I remember hating it in the beginning because I thought it was so awkward. What was your first kiss like? Do you remember it and talk about your memory at all?
***
Sometimes, the beauty of a first kiss isn't in its perfection, but in its genuine, unrefined reality. It's a fundamental experience that might have been filled with mixed emotions, nerves, and perhaps even a bit of humor looking back. Despite the initial awkwardness, it tends to cement itself as a cherished memory, a milestone in our journey of personal growth and relationships. Whether it was under the stars, by the lockers, or in a movie theater, that moment—the anticipation and the heart-fluttering leap—is a story worth holding onto as it marks a sweet beginning of many firsts.
3 Being Pregnant
Being pregnant is definitely something that you’ll want to remember. Just feeling another human being growing inside of you ... it’s a miracle! It’s something that you can hold onto forever and truly pass onto your daughter or even describe for your son.
***
The journey of pregnancy is filled with those tiny kicks and flutters that remind you of the life you're nurturing. From the first positive test to the growing bump, and the overwhelming joy of the first heartbeat you hear, these milestones become cherished tales of anticipation and love. Sharing stories of craving midnight snacks or singing lullabies to your belly strengthens family bonds. It's a chapter of strength, transformation, and profound connection that empowers women, turning them into heroines of their own beautiful story. These moments are worth capturing in journals, photos, or even through heartfelt conversations.
4 Falling in Love for the First Time
While it might pain you to really dig deep into the memories of your first love, you’ve got to admit that falling in love is a beautiful experience. It’s painful sometimes, but when you truly and deeply fall for someone so hard, you want to hang onto that feeling. Just because it hurts, doesn’t mean you should tuck the memory away to never talk about again.
5 Family Stories
Oh, do I love some of the family stories that we have floating around my house. These are stories that you’ll pass onto your kids and they will retell all of the time. Really hold onto any family stories that you have, pass them on, retell them over and over again. It’s good for your kids and your friends to know what your family is all about!
6 Becoming Independent for the First Time
The very first time that I moved out of my parents' house, it was a mixture of sad and glad. I was 18 and moved into my very first apartment with a job serving at the Marriott. It was hard, I went through a lot, but I learned so, so much and I’ll never, ever forget the moment I finally became independent. Whether you are heading off to college or just moving into an apartment, this feeling shapes the way you are going to be for the rest of your life!
7 First Time You See Your Child
Now, I know I mentioned being pregnant, but what if you are two men or two women and aren’t going that route? What if you are going the adoption route? The very first time that you see your child, whether it is via pregnancy or adoption, this is a moment that will change your life. The child will change you forever.
***
When your eyes meet theirs for the first time, it's as if the universe has aligned for this exact moment. The depth of emotion is overwhelming, a tidal wave of love, hope, and unimaginable joy. This breathtaking snapshot in time, whether your journey led through hospitals or agencies, marks a before and after in your life. Regardless of how your child comes into your life, the unspoken connection that sparks in that instant is a powerful, defining experience that anchors you to this tiny human in a way that words can barely describe.
8 Family Traditions
Ah, girls and boys, don’t ever forget your family traditions. These are traditions that you and your family have built for years and years, and retelling and reenacting those traditions will keep them alive, not just in your memories but they will also become traditions for your kids.
9 Holidays Together
I remember all of the holidays that my parents and I had together. While some of them were better than others, all of them were special and are burned into my memory. Don’t forget these memories, they are so vital and they can carry you through the dark times.
Memories aren’t something that should be kept hidden away, they should be talked about, should be alive and they will keep the people that you’ve lost alive too. What are some of your favorite memories? Share them!