There is an ancient Greek legend about a woman who comes down to the River Styx to be ferried across to the region of departed spirits. The kindly ferryman reminds her that if she drinks water from the river she will be able to forget the life she is leaving behind. Eagerly she says, “Will I forget how I have suffered?”
”Yes,” is the reply from the ferryman, “But you will also forget how you have rejoiced. “
”Will I forget all my failures?”
”Yes, but also all your victories!”
”Will I forget how I have been hated?”
”Yes, but also how you have been loved!”
The story ends with the woman choosing not to drink of the water, preferring to keep the memories of the sorrow and the joy, the disappointments and the love.
The power of the gift of life that God has given to us is calling us to remember.
Fleming, D. “Stones of Memory.” (adapted)
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