Bradford Lad: Happy With My Memories
Mike Coatesworth has no desire to alter his past life.
Is it truly possible that one day humans will be able to physically travel back in time? I leave the question open. From the speed at which technology is advancing anything would seem to be possible.
But here are four more questions. How many people, given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to do so, would travel back to their childhood? And if they chose to do so, why? To alter their lives? Change the bad times?
The other day a lady stopped me and stated how much she enjoyed reading my column in a local daily newspaper. She said that it brought back wonderful memories of her own childhood.
Memories are wonderful. In a way they are a form of time travel. A glimpse of an object, a familiar smell can trigger thoughts of something that occurred years ago. The smell of a certain kind of soap sent me back to the year 1974. I was learning to dive at Fort Bovisand. I see the day clearly. A nice sunny day...
The sight of an old sea chest sent me back to 1959. I saw my Aunt Chrissie, but she could not see me. She was blind. She was reading a Braille book. I saw the blue flowered dress that she wore beneath her pinafore...
I know there are people around who wish for the “good old days''. And there are those who would like to change various aspects of their younger years, particularly the bad times. But remembering the bad times can be just as rewarding as remembering the good times.
I remember the bad times, but as I recall how I dealt with them I often smile. There was that time when I was stabbed in the hand as I tried to steal a slice of bread from the kitchen. The pain was immense. My knees buckled. Later, while the hand was healing, I played on he injury for all I was worth. I received extra treats. I was excused certain chores. And the incident made my dad a better man. He no longer belted us. He spent more time with us, laughing and joking.
If NASA offered me the chance to go into space I would gladly accept. A visit to the Moon? Yes please! But time travel? No thanks. I am happy with my memories, just as they are.
Time for a Cuppa!
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