My first love was Donna, she was gorgeous, the prettiest girl in our high school. That was my opinion, as well as every other suitor that came upon her doorstep.

I remember a day, one Sunday afternoon, at church, and I realized that I was sitting right behind her. She kept turning and looking around and smiling, I would have loved to think that it was my charm, but most likely it was more about my annoying questions while the mass was still proceeding along.

Anyway, we grew close, and although she wasn’t my first girlfriend, she was my first love.

I’m not going to go on a long litany on my life with Donna and our story, but what this post is about is remembering and cherishing your past. I’ve kept all of the love letters that were ever given to me. And although, some will say that it’s wrong to keep your old love letters, I don’t see why you should throw them away.

These experiences, your past relationships, are the exact events and specific things that have contributed to the person you are today.

I remember all of my past relationships, and I am thankful that I am still friends with some of the girls I’ve been with. They are my past, they are my relationships, they hold the memories that I am fond of reminiscing once in a while. It’s OK, I think, because I’m happy where I am at this moment in my life, I don’t wish to relive the past, or go back in time. I am happy right here, and my memories are what make up the totality of my happiness.

Below, are two messages from two different cards that I received from Donna during the years I was with her. I asked permission of course, to put it up here, so don’t fret too much, just enjoy my candidness in order to make the point that your memories are fine to hold on to.

Card 1: Self Made Holiday Card

Nicholas,

You can close your eyes on things you don’t want to see.. But you can never close your heart on things you don’t want to feel…

“Sometimes, I look up at the stars and think of you… then, I realize… I miss u…”

,Donna

Card 2: Hallmark Card

On the cover: When troubles seem to heavy, fly like a bird high into the sky and see how small the earth becomes.

The Message inside:

Nicholas,

Hey how are you? Doing nothing but….? Well me here, as usual, still counting the stars and starry starry night.

I’m sorry but I really hate to write a lot of things or maybe, I just don’t know what to say.

Just want to say… Thanx for all the Good things that you’ve done for me..

And to know that you always care.. I’ll always remember that

,Donna

It was in high school, but it always seems so sweet to remember those messages. You probably notice a few references to stars, she loved looking into the night sky and just staring at the stars… We could do that for hours on end without even saying one word…

And so, that’s it. My memory of Donna, and the lesson that you should always treasure the loving memories, because it is these memories that are close to your heart… and your soul…