R-e-m-e-m-b-e-r. Remember. That’s the word that knocked me out of the third grade spelling bee. It was devastatingly ironic. The world moved on after a comforting stop at the gas station for a slurpee, but my new-found obsession with the word didn’t.
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, remember means, “to bring to mind or think of again.” When we remember we bring a subconscious knowledge to the forefront of our minds. Until then, that memory or fact just sits back there, waiting to be called on by the smell of fresh homemade cookies or the alarm on your phone.
Memories are at the core of everything. Our ability to remember solidifies familiar relationships and friendships, reminds us not to stick our hand on the oven burner and teaches us not to say offensive things. Our memory accomplishes so many feats. However, have you ever thought about what would happen if no one could remember you?
One of my favorite fantasy authors, V.E. Schwab, explores this concept in her 2020 release, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. While fighting to escape a loveless match, Addie calls upon the gods in hopes of making a deal. To her surprise and relief, one appears. In sheer desperation Addie asks for one thing -- more time. Time to escape. Time to know the world. Time to become herself.
The god promises to make her dreams a reality and it is only after they have sealed the deal that she realizes the god is actually the devil himself, Lucifer. Upon returning to town, Addie realizes no one can remember her. They not only don’t have any recollection of her, but no one she meets can maintain a memory of her for more than a short period of time. So begins Addie’s lonely existence, wandering and creating homes for herself in little pockets throughout the world.
There are so many more details I could share about this captivating story, but this is the general premise. The concept of your existence being wiped away in the blink of an eye is something that has haunted me, causing me to reflect on the places I would still call home if no one were to remember my name. They say people make homes, which is true, but what makes them a permanent fissure is the stories we continue to tell long after they’re gone.
In this issue of Idaho Falls Magazine, you will find stories of people, businesses and homes with their own stories. Through sharing their stories we preserve their history and help others to remember them and prevent important moments from being forgotten.