Childhood Memories Fade: But they Never Leave Us
- Dr. Lawrence T. Force
- 19 hours ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 11 hours ago
Childhood Memories Fade: But they Never Leave Us
by
L.T. Force, Ph.D.
Gerontologist
I was born in Philadelphia, PA. We lived in the suburbs of Philly and then moved - when I was two years old to New Jersey (my Father was transferred in his Insurance Company job). At 5 years of age, we moved to Mt. Vernon, NY. It is in Mt. Vernon where I grew up.
Two days ago, my Brother called me to let me know there was a 6-alarm fire in our old apartment building. News of the event was on TV, newspapers and social media sites.
I must tell your when I looked at the stories of the event - I was flooded by many childhood memories. I live 80 miles from Mt. Vernon - but I got in the car today and drove down. The site was devastating - windows blown out, exterior and interior views of charred remains - and the lingering smell of smoke damage. As I stood there I took some pictures - for sure it was a memorable sight. (I also found out earlier today that my oldest son - also went down today - and sent me some photos.)
I haven’t thought about growing up in that apartment building in Mount Vernon - for years. Yes, it is part of my history - but it’s not an everyday thought. However, once I heard about and viewed news clippings about the incident - and then standing as a witness to the damage and destruction - again, I was flooded by childhood memories and experiences. For example, who my friends were that lived in the neighborhood, where we played, the streets that we walked on our way to school or church, the neighbors and people that lived in the building - each with their own story. I “walked the dogs” of the elderly neighbors, had my daily paper route in the building for the “Daily Argus”, (that newspaper circulation is no longer in existence) and connected daily with our neighbors. Those memories and images of the past - were as real and present as a childhood experience that happened today. (Even as I am writing this Blog Post - so many images, interactions, and stories of people that lived there - are flooding me with memories).
However, instead of going out to play with my friends or engaging with our neighbors - I was standing in front of a burned out vacant building. (We lived on the 1st floor - to the left of the main entrance. My bedroom was located behind the boarded-up window on the left - in the middle).
As a result of this fire, 125+ families were evacuated and displaced. I kept thinking about them - especially with the Holiday’s here. (The good news is that no one was injured). The American Red Cross is involved. The families are being housed in a local school. Fund raising operations (for food and clothing) are now in effect. On Thanksgiving, dinner will be served at the school. Volunteers have been requested. I intend to be there to help. Let’s not forget….this is my childhood neighborhood….and these people are neighbors that I just haven’t met yet. And yes, childhood memories fade….but they never leave us.
