When writing a new character, I try to make sure they have a past, present and future. Many focus only on the present reality and future goals with a character, but a past gives the character context for their present…

The Brain is a Muscle

How many of us have heard that tired old metaphor? But it is only part true. Muscles get stronger with use and practice, and diminish with misuse. The brain does the same; but muscles have only one purpose. Contrarily, human brains are complex and miraculous things of wonder.

On any given evening you might find me cooking dinner, answering work emails, texting 3 friends, completing a writing, browsing online, and managing my gremlins. But if we want to form new memories and maintain the capacity to function as multitaskers, we must clear out the cobwebs of unnecessary memories and information.

There is Power in Forgetting

When we clear out memories like Avogadro’s Number, or how to conjugate bailar, we make way for new learning. Memories that are visceral, containing sights, sounds, smell, taste, and emotion are sometimes buried deep, but not forgotten.

Every September 11 for the past 14 years, we say, “Never forget!” And I can’t. Not one detail. I remember waking up to the radio like I always did before having children. Rick Dees in the Morning, humor and pop music, was my usual the week I turned 15. It was Spirit Week for Homecoming, but instead of thinking about my outfit, my birthday presents, or my best friend who was moving to DC that day, I woke to a shocked Rick Dees.

“Shit! We’re getting reports that a plane hit one of the tallest skyscrapers in New York. Oh my god!”

“This is not a War of the Worlds story people.”

“I know this isn’t our usual humor, but the video is streaming on the news now!”

I hopped out of bed and ran out to the living room in my pajamas. It was a sunny day and my little brother was already dressed and done with morning chores, about to walk to school. I remember my mom yelling at me to get dressed since she worked in the opposite direction of my high school and I was always missing the bus, having to call friends for a ride. She yelled even more when she saw the remote in my hand. TV was not allowed until after dinner and homework. I tried to tell her Rick Dees said a plane hit a skyscraper, but she said it was probably a joke.

I got the TV on right as Disney Channel switched from a cartoon to a live feed. They replayed the first plane hitting, as my mom finally stopped trying to wrestle the remote from me. We watched live as the video switched to live. I pointed at the specks on the building and asked my mom if those were people. She was too horrified to respond. We watched as the second plane hit. As the reporters cussed and swore on live TV. We watched as the smoke billowed and the tower began collapsing. I dropped the remote and my mom began flipping through the channels.

It was the same on every channel.

Thankfully, it was cave-man day, it didn’t have to change out of my leopard print pjs. My mom drive me to school for the first time in years. Many students had no clue, walking around in costumes, passing out fliers about the dance and game, who to vote Homecoming Queen. First period dance was a blur of whispered rumors and tears, as I was made to describe the images I had seen only an hour before. Second period our World History teacher, Mr. Klein, turned in the news.

We saw the people jumping from the buildings, the crowds running from smoke in the streets covered in soot. A school-wide announcement said, “All teachers must not discuss or speculate on what is happening. All students are excused early.” Two more planes had crashed on the east coast.

The word “terrorist” was starting to be used.

I also remember how we were glued to our TV’s the following days. My mom’s birthday dinner and school the day after was cancelled. As was the dance. The game still happened but with Red, White, and Blue theme instead of school colors; a tearful National Anthem and minute of silence as they reported the latest death toll reminded us of our unity. Three days later I finally heard from my friend who moved to DC. Her flight that was supposed to depart from Sacramento to Washington at 9am got delayed, like all flights in the US, but her and her mom and sister were detained because they had Indian passports. For three days. I can never forget that she got strip-searched at 16 for national security and never complained.

Four years later my little brother joined the Military while still in high school, eventually going to Afghanistan.

There is Power in Remembering

If we think only of the here and now for ourselves and our characters, there would be very little care or concern about anyone or anything that doesn’t effect us personally. Characters need struggle, strife, conflict, and an obstacle to overcome, not a narcissistic and solitary existence. I’ve heard it can be a relaxing and simple way of life, but it isn’t a fit for my characters, or myself. Besides, who would want to read that story?

Remembering key moments in our lives and history provides context for our present. If we remember this life is finite, that it will end and can end at any moment, we can honor those who died to soon by living to our fullest each day. So remember, but don’t dwell. Live.