Average Jane’s One Memory

After I asked for suggestions on Monday, Mark Beck came back with this intriguing idea, “I’ll ask you the question from the book, ‘Generation X’ — ‘If you could take only one memory to heaven from this life, what would it be’?”

As an actual Generation Xer, I’m naturally tempted to say something hip and witty with a tinge of sarcastic bitterness. As an aging Generation Xer, I’m probably not alone in immediately dismissing that impulse as I gradually gravitate toward deeper consideration of life’s imponderables.

I know I’m not usually known for revealing much in the way of emotion – here or anywhere else – but this question can only lead to an emotional answer, so here it is: The one memory I would take is the look on my husband’s face when he’s looking at me fondly.

Why? Well, in most circumstances you are loved by your immediate and extended family just because they’re your family. Your spouse has to begin to love you at some point and then continue to love you over time as you change and grow. If, ten years down the line, your spouse still looks at you lovingly when he or she doesn’t know you’re watching, I’d say that’s a memory worth holding onto.

Okay, tomorrow I’ll be back to regular, acerbic Jane. I’ll take the other suggestions I received and discuss gangsters, gunslingers, vampires and my other TV faves.