Author: Dalena Quach

A little less than a year ago, someone told me a story about how they went to an art gallery, but the only art they remember was the sunset they saw that day.

They talked about how extravagant pieces of artwork were displayed in the museum, yet how all the people rushed outside to capture photos of the sunset rather than the artwork inside. They said that it reminded them that, “The beauty of life is not that it goes on and on, but that it’s ephemeral.” How, “The most amazing moments of our lives, and even life itself, are so amazing because they last only for a second, which is why we try so hard to hold on to those fleeting moments.” An evanescent moment like a sunset is so beautiful simply because it only lasts for a short period of time before it disappears forever. Its limitations give it value, and are why we treasure it so much, and why people choose to capture its photo rather than one of a timeless piece of art. 

The things in life that don’t last forever make them incomparable to anything else. You get one chance to enjoy them, so every second of their presence is valuable. Life’s thrills, our relationships, memories, and time are all intangible things that don’t necessarily last forever, which is why we cherish them so greatly. These things are on display only for a limited time in the galleries we call our lives. They are the fleeting moments like the sunset that we’re trying to soak up and capture before it’s over. 

But of course, good things eventually come to an end, leaving us with the images of the colors that painted the sky so beautifully. Our memories replay configurations of the scenes, destinations, sounds, and feelings from the moments most vivid in our hearts. Our minds replay to transport us back-- to stop time and relive that sunset. To mix the colors of our present life back with the joys of recollection and the echoes of our laughs, words, and favorite songs. 

Here at Plus One, we strive to inspire hope and enrich the lives of those affected by neurological conditions by mobilizing resources to offer those ethereal moments inspired by the transcendent beauty of human nature. Even amidst the pandemic, we are continuing to provide therapeutic resources virtually through events and projects organized by our team. We have our upcoming “Music for Healing” Virtual Benefit Concert on January 28 from 7-8 pm PST for anyone looking to share in the love of music and compassion from Plus One and our guest performers, Marina and the Dreamboats and the EriAm Sisters. Check out our Music Concert page under the Events tab on our website plusonefoundation.org to RSVP and help us to create more beautiful memories in the minds and hearts of all. 

And with each day, I hope you can take a second to enjoy every sunset moment in your life. To go outside, listen to your favorite song, or try something new, so you capture the fleeting moments before they become the memories in your collection.