Turning the Hearts . . .Don't Forget

by Gary Antion

"What are you so sad about, dear?" Her reply: "You forgot our anniversary!"

What's the big deal about forgetting special events or important people in our lives? Each time we forget, we miss an opportunity to show respect, love and appreciation for that special someone.

Spouses appreciate being remembered on special events. When we remember, we reinforce love and care we feel for one another. When we forget, well, we send a message that the other person is not very important. Our lives can get busy, but we cannot let ourselves get so busy that we forget those we love.

Our children especially like us to remember the special times in their lives, such as their first day at school each year or turning another year older or a promise to take them to some special event. Remembering tells your children that they are special to you. It bolsters their self-esteem—something they need to get from their parents.

Think about it. If you buy two very expensive tickets for a theater showing of Phantom of the Opera, for instance, you will make it a point not to forget when the show starts and what time you need to be there. Why? Because that expensive event is important to you. How much more important is it to remember the special events in our family members' lives?

Friends are also important to us and deserve to be remembered on anniversaries, retirements and other special happenings in their lives.

When we remember those significant events, we let them know that they are important enough to remember. Spouses, children, relatives, friends and associates all appreciate being remembered and not forgotten.

How Can We Remember and Not Forget?

• Plan to remember by using a calendar to mark special remembrances.
• Check the calendar regularly.
• Daily or weekly take the time to reflect on the next day's or week's events.
• Think more about our loved ones.
• Find a method of reminding yourself. For instance, tie a string around your finger. (Although if I could remember to do that, I could remember the event just as easily!)

We can turn the hearts of family members and friends in a positive direction by remembering those special times in the lives of people special to us. UN