Time And Old Wounds..

They say that "time heals all wounds" and I would agree that the pain of an emotional wound dissipates over time but I have to disagree that it "heals".  I guess it is safe to say that the definition of "heal" is much like that of "normal" in that it is subjective and varies from day to day depending on the surroundings and events in ones life.  It is dependent upon the depth of the wound, the trauma that accompanied wounding that imprints In ones subconscious leading to triggers that can re-ignite, to varying degrees, the memory and discomfort of the initial event.  Sounds, actions and behaviors in others, specific dates, etc can make the trauma experienced seem just like yesterday.. 

This ties into another old saying- "forgive and forget".  Forgiving is a conscious choice all can make but forgetting... Well that is not so easy especially following a trauma. Phobias, irrational and rational fears stem from traumatic imprinting. Due to the biochemical complexity of our thought process it makes it virtually impossible to forget... Speaking for myself, when I see certain behaviors in those close to me, emotional traumas associated floods my thoughts.. When key dates approach certain parts of a traumatic event can be recalled verbatim and with great descriptive accuracy.  Years can seem like yesterday.  The complexity of the mind develops the ability as a defense mechanism.  I'm still on the fence as to whether that is a good or bad thing... I guess once again, time will tell.