Lately Frank's parents have lost
many dear friends. Well into their
nineties it's to be expected. Yet
I wonder how it must feel to no
longer have any contemporaries.
It has to be rather lonely and yet,
that's part of the cycle of our time
here on earth. Given "F" and "P"
are quite happily resigned to this
stage in their lives, they've taught
us all that one must treasure each
and every moment of life. Given
all too soon it could all be over...
Luckily to date few of our friends have
moved on to greener pastures. Those
that have are absolutely not forgotten.
My dear amigo Susan remains listed
under my "contacts" - so whenever
I search "S" she appears and brings
a smile to my face. I can't delete her
data because the finality of that act
would mean that Suze is no longer
with us. Thus I continue to hold on
to some sort of thread - connection -
a link to one of the few who always
made me laugh. Friends forever!
Sometimes physical objects provide
a link to those we have loved and lost.
Throughout our home sit vestiges of
the past. Yet rarely do truly precious
or valuable items prompt a smile or
memory. Instead what's most valued
are mundane, ordinary items that were
formerly part of someone else's daily
routine. My Father's clothes brush.
That agate ware enamel pot lid of my
Mother's. Or my Great Grandmother's
letter opener. All reminders that we're
here today but could be gone tomorrow.
Do you ever think of what your legacy
will be? Frankly it doesn't have to be
very lofty - all that's important is that
something was better because of you.
I so admire people who spend most of
their lives serving some sort of noble
cause. However for me, the people
who mattered most to me were of a
rather ordinary ilk. Love, caring, and
compassion seem to be what connects
most of us to someone long gone. And
while no monument will ever come of
said affection - love never dies.
Yesterday we attended the funeral of
a native Central Montanan who left
us at ninety four. Her pastor shared
the saga of her family's pilgrimage to
this promised land. While I found it
all quite illuminating, I wondered if
most of her family was also hearing
said saga for the first time. So often
we forget to pass down the stories of
those who've gone before us. Missing
invaluable lessons in joy, bravery, and
sorrow not only belittles our ancestors.
It also stymies the here and now.
Imagine moving out to the literal middle
of no where sans any and all amenities.
Carving out a life in the wild west must
have been beyond challenging. And yet
those brave souls were ordinary people
just like us. The difference is they were
willing to take a risk. So often today it
seems as if we're nothing but chickens.
Afraid to do anything beyond the norm.
Terrified to gamble, explore, or ere. It
seems to me that most of us have given
up. Become lazy and complacent. And
what sort of legacy is that? GIDDY UP!
History has proven that most people
of renown failed many times before
finally succeeding. Learning on the
way to nirvana seems to be the best
route from here to there. NOBODY
is going to do it for us nor... should
they. There is little happiness in bliss
unless one earned it. So why are we
all so risk adverse?! Think about it -
what do you really have to lose? No
matter what happens you'll be better
for the journey. So... what are you
waiting for? Hurry before it's too late!