ANNIVERSARY

 

ANNIVERSARY

(July 22, 2023)

 

Anniversary. People love anniversary, at least the ones that I know. In their posts on social media, I read “Happy Monthsary.” That word “monthsary” is something new to me. Never heard of that in all my English classes. I had college units for a minor degree in English and not one of my professors ever uttered that word. It is probably one of the many new words that come up as a result of man’s ever-evolving life experience. Life is indeed dynamic.

The observance of anniversaries is a recall of the very first time a significant event happened in the life of a person or persons. First baby talk, first baby walk. First day to move to the first house owned. First time to learn to drive.

Anniversaries are more observed and celebrated by persons in relationships. First time they meet. First date. First kiss. The day one said “I Love You” to the other. And many more. All of these “Firsts” are remembered with only one reason – it is very significant. The experience brought tremendous joy in their hearts and changed the course of their life path. It was the beginning of a merry go-round relationship but still an awesome experience. To many, that FIRST was a turning point – when they were given a new hope, a new beginning, a new life.

It is therefore very painful to recall the anniversary date when the relationship involved in that significant event is already broken. There is no one to celebrate the anniversary with. The other has left. The memory remains but the feeling is gone.

That’s the reason why some people have become skeptics of the idea of anniversaries in a love relationship. They say that the pain that a broken relationship that we try to celebrate during anniversaries does not compliment the joy we experienced when the “first” happened. The hurt is deeper, sharper, even fatal. So, what is the point, they say.

Whether we believe in the importance of anniversaries or not depends on how we view life.

For a hopeless romantic, the celebration of anniversaries is imperative because of the feeling of deep happiness the event had given to the person. Even if the relationship is over, there remain memories to recall where one at some point experienced enormous personal bliss. The not so good parts of the memory were lessons to be learned and impetus to be a better person and lover the next time around.

For a pained person, the anniversaries are simply for the happy times. It ends when the relationship ends. The recall of memories simply brings more hurt feelings. Nothing to learn but simply to regret and forget. The person has become a skeptic of love. 

Be that as it may, anniversaries are remembrances of what was – happy or sad. It is important that the recall of anniversaries be a reminder that once something very significant happened in our lives that made us joyful, valued. Once it happened that we made another person happy, esteemed. Once it happened that we loved.

To celebrate or recall an anniversary is not that important. What is? That once upon a time in our life we have loved someone, and someone loved us. We felt very special.

However, to celebrate anniversaries of other important events in our lives is always a welcome thing. Why? Because is a celebration of deep gratitude to God for the blessing. Birthday, Graduation, Passing the Board, Wedding, Priestly Ordination, Religious Profession of Vows, and more. 

Anniversary is not just for lovers. Oh, I am sorry. Anniversary is for all lovers. Lovers of life. Lovers of the goodness of others. Lovers of the goodness of God.

For whatever it reminds us of, an anniversary is always a celebration of love.

Photo: https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo/handwritten-sw-vector-vectors.html?imgt=8