THE IMPORTANCE OF A RECEIVER

Today I´ve learnt why the community needs a Receiver. One of the Receiver´s task is to give counsel and advice to the Committee of Elders. The memories give wisdom. We learn from past experience, and we have to advise the Elders so that they don´t make the same mistakes. For example, when the Giver was asked if it was convenient to increase population, he remembered how humans had suffered hunger because of overpopulation and therefore he advised the Committe of Elders against population increase.  

However, the Receiver´s main function is to retain the painful and sad memories from the past, so as to lift that burden from people. If it wasn´t for the Giver and me, those memories would be shared, i.e. everyone would suffer pain and sadness.

I think this is not fair. It`s very selfish of the community to curse a person`s life for the rest to have a better one. I wish we could change this but I know it`s impossible. There are only 2 members of the community who are aware of this: the Giver and me. So what could we do?

This assignment is such a weird thing. I don`t like being the new Receiver. I have to receive pain every single day. I feel angry and I don`t understand why I have to suffer so much. They made me believe it`s a very honoured selection but I´ve realised it is only a burden. I am very disappointed.

When I came back home, I was so angry that I wanted to rebel in some way. I tried to give memories to Gabriel to help him sleep soundly. I was surprised to see I succeeded. Gabriel has the capacity to receive!! At last I´ve found somebody with whom I can share! 

I think I won`t tell the Giver what has happened. I fear he may punish me, but... maybe if I told him, I could be taught  how to give memories better and my ability would improve... Anyway, I won`t tell him.  This will be our little secret, Gabriel. I promise I won´t tell anyone else.