Recently I heard an ad on TV that set me thinking. I must confess that I do not remember much about the ad—no remembrance of the product being sold; no remembrance of the TV show in which it was aired. But, what I do remember is the one phrase. This struck me and got my creative juices flowing.
The phrase—Making Appointments, not Memories—was said by a relatively young person. I believe he was bemoaning the fact that as people age they forget to enjoy life but merely keep a calendar of appointments, mostly medical. This hit me, as my wife and I have been busy checking our calendars to make sure we don’t miss our next “appointment” or doctor visit.
Making appointments to maintain good health is important. I am so thankful that we are able to visit clinics and doctors with little hindrance (except for the time lag!). However, I am also very thankful that these appointments do not control our lives. We still are able to enjoy life, and are making memories more frequently than we make appointments!
During these months of pandemic we have been forced to change our lifestyle to adjust to all the protocols. No more visits with friends at a favourite restaurant; no more hugs with our grandkids; no more gathering at church; no more touring with friends in our vehicle. However, no way were we planning to hibernate away from all activities. We just needed to adjust and make other memories.
Recently we took a drive out to a park, just to enjoy God’s creation. On another occasion we took a drive along the river to check on the ice breakup. In fall, we drove down to Morden, MB to “see” a sister. We were able to chat for a while as we sat outside, physically distanced. However, the trip was part of the memory-making. We drove through the Pembina Hills and enjoyed to changes in the fields and hills. Some places the harvest was complete. In some the trees were a beautiful fall colour.
Throughout the summer and fall of 2020 we toured Manitoba, enjoying the many sites, including the creative town symbols scattered across the province. We might never have done this if all was normal. What memories we were able to make—and many pictures to capture the sites.
Prior to the pandemic, we enjoyed frequent visits with friends as we as together over our cups of coffee at a local Tim Hortons. Now, our conversation is via ZOOM. What a wonderful gift! We are able to enjoy great conversations while safely at home. Each week a group of us shares several hours of wonderful conversation—including news of happenings in each family. Then, once a week, several of us “meet” together for supper, each in their respective homes, but sharing a meal together. Again, what a feature to add to our memory bank.
Yes, the ad is accurate in that we make many appointments. But it is inaccurate in that the appointments overtake the memories. May we never allow the various appointments to dominate our lives. Making memories is life-giving; making appointments is life-maintaining. We need both.
ElderWisdom 
Yes, we too did not let the pandemic restrictions keep us from moving about. We very much enjoyed our stay at a cabin near Clear Lake.
It seems you guys like getting out a fair bit too.
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