Charles Dickens, in his story "The Haunted House," tells about a chemist who was tormented by unhappy memories. One evening as he is seated by the fireplace, a spirit appears and offers to solve his problem -- for a price, of course. The chemist is so terrified and tormented that he accepts the spirit's offer.

The spirit's solution is to remove the chemist's power to remember.

Now, the chemist is a man with no memories! Because he can no longer remember anyone or anything, he becomes a man without a past. The years have been erased; his mind has become blank. This "solution" also affects his present; the chemist knows what he is doing in the present; but once today is gone, so are his memories!

So once again, the chemist is tormented and unhappy. The story closes with his prayer: "Lord, keep my memory green!" Keep my memory green! I would remember each morning that God has brought me safely through the dark night. I would remember each new day that God has provided for all my needs, has watched over me and guided me in right paths, and has blessed me much more than I deserve!

Keep my memory green! I would remember my family: my grandparents and how they shaped my life by their faithfulness to God and their love for others; my parents, for taking the Baptismal Vows seriously, for raising me up in the Church Family, for teaching me the Scriptures, for teaching me to pray, and for setting an example of how a Christian is supposed to live; my wife and children for giving me their love, even when I was not too lovable -- and for supporting me through all the years; for my Church Family, in many different places, for standing by me in the ministry to which God called me.

Keep my memory green! I would remember my friends, all those great people who added to and enriched my life. I remember their kindness, and their criticism. I remember the laughter and the tears we've shared. I remember all the good times we've had together.

Keep my memory green! I would remember all those people, many I've never met or known well, who through their services and every-day tasks have added blessings to my life.

Keep my memory green! I would remember all those saints-of-God who've gone ahead of me to ease my journey through life. They kept the Faith; they ran their race well; they laid a solid foundation for me to build on; they received the Crown-Of-Life! I know that I will meet them all someday, and we will all rejoice together in the presence of the Christ!

Keep my memory green! I would remember all those people who have suffered and have given their lives for this nation; because of their sacrifice, I can enjoy the freedoms this nation offers!

On this Memorial Day -- Lord, keep our memory green!

-- Dr. Don Kuehle is a retired United Methodist minister who lives in Jackson. Opinions are those of the author.