“Toast to the ones here today. Toast to ones that we lost on the way.

Remembering memories seem to be a sad and a happy reminder for us. Some memories will
make you want to be swallowed by the ground - the ones that suddenly pop into your mind
before going to sleep, and there are also memories that you want to relive every minute of your
life.

It was September 2019 when Memories by Maroon 5 came out, and it became a hit instantly for
its catchy melody and meaningful lyrics. When I first listened to this song alone in my bed,
different memories of my family and friends came flooding into my mind. I can’t help but smile
through the tears, for I am sad that it is over but happy that it happened.

The best memory with my family was when we went to Porac, Pampanga. The whole family on
my mother’s side came, and we all had a great time. Words can’t describe how ecstatic I am on
that trip, eager to spend this eventful day with my Lola, Lolo, uncles, aunts, and of course, my
cousins. It is nothing but fun, all-singing, conversing, and swimming. I have never realized that
that will be the last time we will get together as a whole. My Lolo died a year after that trip. I am
close with my Lolo since he was the one who took care of me when my parents were working.
Even if we get together again, it will not be the same anymore without my Lolo. Though I am
despondent that we will never be the “whole” family again, I am still happy that I have a
memory that I will carry until I’m old. It was nice while it lasted.

All of us have different experiences in life, grasping and learning from it. Remembering
memories seem to be a sad and a happy reminder because even when you suddenly think of
embarrassing, painful, and mad memories late at night, deep down in your heart, you’re thankful
and happy that it happened.