Identity
Identity is what builds a person throughout life from birth to death. A recollection of memories where the person could recall their identity each day.
A unique way to describe identity is by the creation of life experiences. Meaning each and one of us will are born and grow different from others creating each experience of life, different ways to approach things in life therefore every person will have their own identity. Having a name, DNA, where you from, etc. is only part of you but not all of you does not make you who you are. A huge part of identity Is having memory, why memory? Memory is what makes us remember who we really are each day, therefore when you were born throughout life your life has experiences creating memories. Self-recognition is the definition of identity.
Born in Puerto Rico raised by my huge family from part of my mom. I remember my grandma always took me to my grand aunt to spare time in the family. Running around with my cousins was one of the best times ever. My childhood was not perfect but as a family, we always end up together, and brought us joy and good times and because of this time, I could remember who I am then and now.
My mom and dad decided to move out from Puerto Rico to Florida. No big family around. I have not seen my grand aunt for more than 8 years and found out she had Alzheimer's and was to move to a nursing home in Florida nearby and My grandma had a visit from PR to see us and her sister (grandaunt). She asked me if I can take her, and without hesitation, I said yes because I did want to see her too. We got to her room to sit with her, we got so excited because she was exactly how I remembered her in my childhood. Physically she was with us, but the Alzheimer had affected her brain causing memory loss. It felt like she was not in her body anymore. She had not recognized us. She always asked where she was? And stood quiet-looking throughout the room. It was one of the hardest and most emotional moments of my life. But I will always remember her like before, her personality, the days she took care of me and had the greatest times.
Face, body, name, skin will not mean anything if inside that body is not present the memories of the life you had lived. Physically a person could be present but if not knowing the person who you are then who are you? Trust me to enjoy every moment of your life as long you are mentally stable and self-aware of everything. I felt like I never got to say goodbye to my grandaunt because it felt like she wasn’t present with us, but I know she is in a better place. We use identity for everything, remembering who you are is what makes you wake up every day at a certain time, go to work, study, do chores, go where you need to go, etc. Having memory is what makes you, “YOU”.
