Amber Villecco

Growing up you realize how important the past is to the future your building. You never really think how much your previous years will form you into the person you are today. The people i have associated myself with, the job choices I've made, and the hardships I've faced have all made an impact on my life.

One person that I can say has affected my life positively, is my best girlfriend and closest friend, Missy. We have been friends since 2nd grade and are close to this day. She's been through all the ups and downs and has been there for me since day 1. Its hard to find friends that stay by you no matter what and that are always someone that you can count on, and that is just one of the reasons that I love Missy so much. She is the type of friend that can always give good advice and I can truly say I am the person I am today because of the friendship that I share with her. We have so many great memories and so many more to come. 

Not only do friendships effect my life choices but the memories I've made along the way. One quote that I think relates a lot to my life is  "I think that the reason a lot people hold onto memories so tight is because memories are the only things that don’t change; when everybody else does" I think this quote is so true. Thinking about past memories and the people you made them with changes all the time. Maybe you made a memory with someone you don’t speak to much anymore, making the memory even more sweet. People grow apart throughout the years, maybe because of actual distance or changes in chemistry. But, what’s sweeter than the memories you gained together? The good and the bad. You’ll hold onto them forever.

As the years pass I continue to forget bits and pieces of my past. When I was young I always kept a journal of memories, embarrassing crushes and funny thoughts at the time. I only have these journals from only a few years of my life and looking back I wish I could have kept more. I think keeping a journal or diary is so important to reminiscing on your past memory’s. I love to bring up old times with my friends and family but I soon forget these stories. It’s sad I can barely remember days at the park, shopping with grandma or collecting shells at the ocean. I miss my past but journals are an awesome recollection.

The memories I will hold onto forever is of family camping trips. Sleep was not an option tonight. It was like the night before Christmas for me, I couldn’t wait to hear my mom say “Alright Amber lets get your stuff together time to get up!” As I laid in bed watching reruns of SpongeBob, which was my normal nightly routine, I kept thinking about what the next week would be like. Bike rides, picnics, going to the park, and of course the normal camping ritual of the campfires and smores!

I began to doze off when before I knew it the sun had risen and my mom called my name. FINALLY. I jumped out of bed already dressed and ready to go, I ran to the kitchen because mom always makes breakfast before long road trips and I could smell the fresh bacon! I ate as fast as I could which never seemed to be fast enough when I was in a hurry.

My parents always seemed to take there sweet time while me and my brother paced back and forth in front of the door. My dad packed the camper and the car was all gassed up and it was time to hit the road Here’s to the beginning of a great adventure.

The anticipation was almost over as a raced to the door with my pillow and blanket in hand. I went to the back of the van and set up my usual fort with a sheet over the back seats and my little cave in the middle. We drove for what seemed like forever with our usual stop at McDonals half way though the trip! A few more hours passed and I knew we were close. Finally!! I could smell the fresh cut grass and hear the kids in the pool yelling and laughing. Soon that would be me and I couldn’t be more excited. First thing I did when I ran out of the car was grab my bike and I was on my own, well with both my brothers watching me and my walkie talkie incase I get lost. So not so “on my own” but it was still awesome.

I roamed through every beaten path and mud infested trails our park had to offer. I didn’t stop riding my bike until the sun began to set and my leg bones felt like rubber bands. I could smell steak on the grill from a few campers down and I knew dinner was on the rise. I pick my mom a few flowers and we make our travels back to our camper. This was my favorite part, dinner with the family.

I never realized how much I would miss it as I got older. The laughs and silent meals, the fights over the last corn cob, I miss it all. We continued this pattern for a week until it was time to pack our things and head home. All the memories still intact and brand new, not yet fading. It seems so distance now but if I could go back and realive every memory I would in a heart beat.

When I think back to my childhood years everything seems to be a blur. Every year I get older I feel I lose a part of my past.It makes me sad to think ten years from now today might even be a vague memory that I won’t be able to recall. Life seems to be going too fast to even remember things that occurred yesterday. I never realized how precious my childhood memories would be to me until I can’t really remember much of anything. It’s scary that our memory erases certain things from our past, but I guess it’s just making room for new adventures and new experiences to fill your thoughts.

I think back to the most important moments in my life. The ones I can never relive. The ones with my grandma who has now passed, her watching wheel of fortune with that cute side smirk she always gave me just knowing she was happy I was with her. I can't begin to explain how precious our time together was.

Growing older I see my family and friends becoming thinner. I recall our past and the way we used to laugh together and smile I would do anything to go back to those times. Because I cant I think to the future and the memories I have yet to make that will be just as sweet.