Writing Prompt: I Am Here

In this month’s essay, Heather Philpot contemplates what it means to be present. Inspired by her grandmother’s memory loss due to Alzheimer’s disease, she explores a sudden desire to document her life.

After examining a photo of a younger, happier, and lucid Nanny Elvie, Heather writes: “What struck me most beneath that dusty glass were Nanny’s eyes full of anticipation. I wanted to reach into the picture and warn this precocious girl, a girl destined to forget. ‘Cling to every milestone, Elvie. Breathe in every moment. Do not take for granted, for one second, your marriage and family. Bask in the love and humor and hold on to your insatiable lust for life.'”

How do you capture the moments of your life? How do you keep memories alive? Write about one specific event from the past year you hope your children will remember.