By Merle Lee Ann Pratt – Merle Lee Ann’s Kitchen, author of “A Baker’s Dozen”

Seniors Scene

Nothing Left but the Memories

May 1, 2025 | 11:00 AM

The views and opinions expressed in this editorial are those of the writer’s and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Pattison Media.

I hope everyone had a nice Easter weekend.

The three days off was nice, but it went too fast. Spring is just around the corner. I managed to get outside on Easter Sunday and go shoot a bucket of balls at Fairview Golf course. I wasn’t even thinking of going as I didn’t golf last year because of my shoulder injury. All of a sudden a lightbulb went off inside my head and I am like, “Hey, I had surgery on my shoulder, I can swing a golf club!” It was a lovely sunny afternoon and felt so good to get some fresh air and exercise. I believe I can golf again this season. The arm felt just fine after a bucket of balls. My golfing isn’t so great, but oh well.

As I watched my dad deteriorate in a nursing home over the previous month I am left with memories. Some of them are good and some I wish I could l get out of my head.

Unfortunately for me when I wake up at 3 am I start thinking about the last few days of my dad’s life. And I wonder, did he know I were there? Did he know where he was? Hopefully he wasn’t in much pain and so on. The next few days after his passing were spent planning the funeral, luncheon, supper, etc. Those days all seem like a distant memory now. It’s like floating through the process and not remembering a lot of it. I can’t remember what I wore. How bad is that?

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I know the wind was really cold at the graveyard and it was starting to snow. I remembered to pack my winter coat and ski pants. (I hate being cold.) My dad’s birthday is in January and this year it was a very nice day on his birthday, which is rare. I also have a January birthday, and I know – not very many nice January birthdays. Usually cold and stormy. Since dad couldn’t get out of the hospital and enjoy his exceptionally nice warm birthday weather, he sent us a cold, stormy, windy day for his celebration of life instead.

I now wake up in the middle of the night and find myself wondering about life. What should I have done different? The concept of altering the course of one’s life resonates deeply within each of us. Imagine possessing the power to rewind the clock and relive moments that could have unfolded differently. Such a notion stirs a profound contemplation about the essence of our experiences, guiding us through a labyrinth of reflection.

The memories of a parent, once vibrant and present, become cherished remnants that linger in our hearts and minds. In the quiet moments of reflection, we sift through these memories like precious artifacts, each one telling a story of love, guidance, and shared experiences. The laughter, the advice, the simple joys of everyday life – these fragments merge to form a tapestry of remembrance that keeps our loved one close, even in their absence.

This deep well of memories serves not only as a source of comfort but also as a beacon, illuminating the path forward as we navigate life without their physical presence. We find ourselves reaching for their wisdom during times of uncertainty, feeling their embrace in moments of solitude, and hearing their voice in the echoes of our thoughts. The legacy they leave behind becomes interwoven with our own, shaping our actions, our decisions, and our sense of self.

In the canvas of our lives, relationships paint the most vivid hues. If given the chance to turn back time, many might choose to nurture connections with greater tenderness and patience. Perhaps we would spend more time listening to loved ones, offering support and understanding, and expressing our love more openly. Regrets in relationships often stem from moments of misunderstanding or neglect, and the desire to heal these wounds could drive us to act with more compassion.

Time is a relentless river, moving forward with an unyielding current that sweeps away moments, decisions, and opportunities. Yet, in the realm of imagination, we possess the extraordinary ability to pause and consider the tantalizing question: “If I could turn back time, what would I do differently?” Reflecting upon this notion invites a deep exploration of our past actions, choices, and the roads we did not travel.

The pursuit of knowledge and career goals shapes much of our identity and future. Looking back, some might wish to pursue different educational paths or career choices. We could envision ourselves taking risks that were once avoided, embracing opportunities that seemed daunting, or dedicating ourselves to passions that were left unexplored. The wisdom of hindsight might inspire us to align our professional journeys more closely with our true aspirations. What we thought we knew at 18 is much different at 40, 50, 50 and so on.

Our physical and mental health profoundly influences our quality of life. If we could rewind time, many might choose to adopt healthier lifestyles, emphasizing exercise, balanced diets, and mindfulness practices. We might seek out medical advice sooner, address mental health concerns with greater urgency, and cultivate habits that promote long-term wellness. The recognition of past neglect encourages a commitment to self-care and well-being.

Financial stability and security are cornerstones of a fulfilling life. Reflecting on past financial decisions, some might wish to manage money more prudently, avoiding impulsive expenditures and focusing on saving and investing. We could imagine ourselves making informed choices about purchases, investments, and debts, building a foundation of financial resilience that supports our future aspirations.

The hypothetical exercise of turning back time and reconsidering our past actions offers profound insights into our values and desires. While the past remains unalterable, the reflections it inspires can shape our future choices with greater clarity and intention. As we move forward, we carry the lessons of our experiences, striving to create a life that aligns with our deepest aspirations and values.

As I have heard many times “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks!” I believe you can. And in our older aging years why not try something new? You just might really like it. I’m sure you could find something new and quirky to do.

And as a quick question – why do people connect so strongly with songs about change? Songs about change resonate because they reflect universal experiences of growth, resilience, and transformation. They offer comfort and motivation, helping listeners navigate life’s transitions.

My choice of a song is about “change.” And make each day the best day of your life!

Best Day of My Life – American Authors

Now to enjoy the grass getting green and the leaves popping out on the trees. Spring planting is on the way very soon.

Merle Lee Ann Pratt – merleleeannskitchen.com – Email: merleleeann@gmail.com

YouTube: @merleleeannskitchen

Note: Parts of this blog was written with the help of Co-Pilot in Word (AI)

This column is sponsored by MacKenzie Funeral Chapel and Crematorium – We will be there when you need us.

130 9th St. E, Prince Albert, SK

Phone: (306) 763-8488 – https://mackenziechapel.ca