I want to thank (or blame) Sara and Emrys who have inspired and entertained me for years with their saga. I read it faithfully. I am following your example, though I do not expect to reach your stature as bloggers.
I have kept a journal for years, but it has been a private one. I have decided that now that I approach the threshold of geezer-dom, that I will publish my thoughts here for whomever would like to see them.
My sister told me after she turned 50 that the great thing about being older is that you can say whatever you want because you really don't care what others may think. I agree with that to some degree. I believe that if we knew how much others actually think about us, it would not matter to us what they think.
If you care to dialogue--welcome. If not--welcome.
Da Grandad
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Great Things and Small Things
The spousal unit and I went to see Invictus on Christmas Eve.
Going to the movies on Christmas Eve is a family tradition that began in our effort to keep our three child units away from the wrapped presents under the Christmas tree. We were not a "Santa on Christmas Morning" kind of house, much to the dismay of a few of my relatives. Rather, we created a tradition of going to a movie together, going out for dinner, then opening presents one by one and stretching the evening into the night. Each person after opening a gift would then retrieve a gift for someone else and we all watched as they discovered the treasure inside. Everyone celebrated each others gift--a good tradition indeed.
Back to the movie. Invictus is the story of Nelson Mandela and his early time as president of South Africa. I will not spoil the movie by reviewing it here. It is a must see for anyone who appreciates the ability of one person who through the power of faith and forgiveness changes the course of history. Enough said.
While we were in the movie I received a call from Tanya, the Hospice volunteer coordinator. In checking the message after the movie I was informed that one of the Hospice clients was alone on Christmas Eve, her husband unable to travel to the nursing home after dark. Katherine was "actively dying", a hospice term for a client that has taken a turn toward the inevitable end. Tanya asked if we could go and sit with Katherine for a time. I said yes.
At the nursing home we sat. Katherine slept. We talked. She slept. We left.
Christmas morning in the shower, I meditated on the day before. (It seems that hot running water inspires me.) I thought of Nelson Mandela. I admired the great accomplishments of one man standing against enormous opposition. I wondered if I would ever achieve great things. I thought probably not.
Then that still small voice that I have know from my childhood was in my thoughts. "Great things please men. Small things please me." I am sure that our Creator is more than pleased with the greatness of Nelson Mandela. It is comforting to know at Christmas that He also is pleased with what we are able to do for the least of these among us.
Merry Christmas.
Going to the movies on Christmas Eve is a family tradition that began in our effort to keep our three child units away from the wrapped presents under the Christmas tree. We were not a "Santa on Christmas Morning" kind of house, much to the dismay of a few of my relatives. Rather, we created a tradition of going to a movie together, going out for dinner, then opening presents one by one and stretching the evening into the night. Each person after opening a gift would then retrieve a gift for someone else and we all watched as they discovered the treasure inside. Everyone celebrated each others gift--a good tradition indeed.
Back to the movie. Invictus is the story of Nelson Mandela and his early time as president of South Africa. I will not spoil the movie by reviewing it here. It is a must see for anyone who appreciates the ability of one person who through the power of faith and forgiveness changes the course of history. Enough said.
While we were in the movie I received a call from Tanya, the Hospice volunteer coordinator. In checking the message after the movie I was informed that one of the Hospice clients was alone on Christmas Eve, her husband unable to travel to the nursing home after dark. Katherine was "actively dying", a hospice term for a client that has taken a turn toward the inevitable end. Tanya asked if we could go and sit with Katherine for a time. I said yes.
At the nursing home we sat. Katherine slept. We talked. She slept. We left.
Christmas morning in the shower, I meditated on the day before. (It seems that hot running water inspires me.) I thought of Nelson Mandela. I admired the great accomplishments of one man standing against enormous opposition. I wondered if I would ever achieve great things. I thought probably not.
Then that still small voice that I have know from my childhood was in my thoughts. "Great things please men. Small things please me." I am sure that our Creator is more than pleased with the greatness of Nelson Mandela. It is comforting to know at Christmas that He also is pleased with what we are able to do for the least of these among us.
Merry Christmas.
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