It is interesting how memory works. Sometimes memories are powerful and pop-up at unexpected times. Sometimes they come unbidden and other times more consciously on specific dates. Sometimes we just forget. In this particular case, I forgot.
Twenty-two years ago yesterday I became a father for the first time. Until Laura reminded me last night, I had forgotten that it was June 5th and the significance of that date in my life. It’s not like I really forgot my kids birthday. Thomas and Jennifer (no longer their first names) are genetically my kids, but I haven’t seen them since they were 10 days old. I was a teenager and my girlfriend at the time and I decided to place them for adoption. I’ve written and spoken about the whole experience many times in the past and I am not going to repeat it here. If you are interested in the story, you can listen to the radio interview I did on the subject here: (www.cbc.ca/thecurrent/episode/2012/02/09/the-boy-with-the-past-documentary)
So June 5th is a memory marker for me. It is fading with time. I think that happens when you find peace with your memories.