letters and years

I came across a letter last night that I wrote almost three years ago. I didn't remember writing it at all. It led me to some other letters that I wrote, more words and thoughts that I don't remember saying or having. But they felt familiar too. Like remembering why you loved an old friend you hadn't seen in a while. I can only vaguely remember the things that I mention happening, I can only vaguely remember the nights I spent writing. I can't really remember how I really felt at the time. I regret not knowing how a particular weekend passed. Is this how we cope? By forgetting?

In one of my letters, I wrote this: "I was reading old letters ... and I had to smile because I remember but at the same time I don't... I feel slightly embarrassed by the childishness, the naivety we all embraced, I feel older but not at all... because I've grown but continue to grow... If I ever get a chance to have a look at this letter again in a few years time, I will probably cringe, but right now it makes sense... and so that's what matters. Right now matters. The past matters but it's past and cannot be changed. The future.. well, no one knows hey?"

In another letter, I got some advice for how to let go. Well, I must have taken it because I don't remember much the writing of those letters.

In another letter, my friend said I didn't ask questions anymore...

Well, here are my questions: Are these just letters? I didn't imagine it. It happened and it was real and yes it was the past, and it can never be changed, but you can't deny it, and how do you let go of so many thousands of words and thoughts shared?

Is forgetting how we cope?