DAILY GRATITUDE MEMORY

 

I am grateful for my grandpa's wisdom

and offer one of the many lessons that he taught:

How time moves fast and forever forward…

but our memory…does not.

MEMORIES

 

May we all be blessed to live a life

filled with beautiful moments

that lead to memories

we are happy to revisit once in a while.

Memories that find a way to leak our of our eyes

roll down our cheeks

and join both ends of our smile.

THE WORST CARTOONIST

 

As we’re deciding what to keep and what to let go of for our move

which will be happening soon

we ran across some old books I made… filled with with my hand-drawn cartoons…

There was a time when I was younger…

I felt by the art gods I was was kissed…

When I thought about leaving my teaching job behind

and becoming…a cartoonist.

So on our family vacations each summer…late hours I would keep…

drawing cartoons recreating our day’s activities… 

after our children were fast asleep…

Our family thought those cartoons were silly, funny and unique.

We laughed a little at the humor I created…

and much more at my unusual cartooning technique..

It seems that not only was there no perspective in my drawings…

which caused us all to scoff…

but looking at all my drawings…my proportions were way off.

Heads and feet were too big…arms were too long… 

and I still don’t understand…

the correct way to draw faces, shoulders, fingers, legs or hands.

The funny thing is in the 10 years I drew cartoons…

no matter what the circumstance….

because my perspective and proportions never improved…

my artistic ability never advanced.

But perusing through these old cartoons…

still caused Deborah and I to laugh and cry with ease…

for as bad as my cartoons were…they brought back a host of memories.

Memories of times long ago..when our family was together 

and all the world seemed right…

when we’d play as a family during the day

and I’d draw my cartoons at night.

These home-made albums held treasures from a fun-filled wonderful past…

and reminded us of times we spent together…that were over much too fast.

But there’s something in these old cartoons…

a feeling in these pages that still enthralls…

Which means these old cartoon books I drew back then

are moving with us

big heads, big hands…and all.

SPIRITUALITY

 

I am grateful for all the wonderfully different religions people practice…

for the kind and loving person their Gods and their faith 

help them to be…

And I’m grateful knowing there are many roads

That lead to kindness, 

inner peace…

and spirituality.

WAR

 Today is a good day to remember the words of John Steinbeck

as we watch our democracy being dismantled…

for the sake of one man’s immortality…

“A society of free individuals is stronger in the long run

Than a totalitarian power dependent on herd mentality.”

If history is any indication…we know what is in store

because it is always the herd men and women who win the battles…

but free men and women who win the wars.

SUNDAY

 

Sunday…a day many people of differing faiths gather together 

to sing, to pray, to laud…

the dogma, the principles, the doctrines…the teachings of their God.

A day of devotion, worship, celebration…

a day of quiet reflection…and rest…

A day to think of our life, our family, our neighbors

and see where our lives have been blessed.

During this time of division in America…

where many have lost their compassion, their dignity…their grace 

where people are at each other’s throats

with their religion at its base.

We have a compelling reminder…

of what’s tearing our country apart…

in the words of James Talarico…

Perhaps it’s time we take them to heart.

He speaks and welcomes all religions

every belief…large or small…

“We are not a Christian nation.” He says,

“We are a nation where you are free to be a Christian

or any other faith

or no faith at all.”

DAILY GRATITUDE CHILDREN

 

I am grateful being a teacher, a father, a grandfather

and now a great-grandfather…

because children have a way…of making us feel whole

Proving, once again, the power children have 

to open our mind,

enhance our heart…

and completely soothe our soul.

OBSERVE OUR CHILDREN

 To all you with hatred in your hearts…

in a world where anger, prejudice and animosity seems to be the norm…

Please take a moment to observe our children…

and try to remember when you felt kindness in its purest form.

And if you do remember…if you find the kindness many in this world lack…

by remembering the children…and for our future children

please…try to bring this kindness back.

INNOCENCE ON OUR SHOULDERS

 

I am constantly in awe of how a child’s mind works…

with no pretense…no deception…

there is an openness…a candor…an innocence in their perception.

The other day in our town…as we waited for the Mardi Gras parade to commence 

I was once again reminded of childhood innocence.

As we waited…in the middle of a crowd…trying our best to see…

I noticed this little family…standing next to me.

“Daddy, put me on your shoulders.” Their little boy said expectantly…

When his father asked him why he answered,

“Because from down here my eyes are just too small to see.”

His dad complied and as he sat there with his hands on his dad’s ears…

with a smile on his face he said, Wow…my eyes are so much bigger from up here.

As I watched this little boy…excitedly waving as the parade came down the street

I secretly hoped his child mind would remain as innocent and as sweet.

When our eyes are small and innocent…from atop our parents’ shoulders

we travel through the world without much worry, trouble…or care

It is only when our eyes get bigger…we begin to see the dangers lurking there.

Once he no longer can rest atop his father’s shoulders

on whatever path in life he chooses.

I hope whatever happens along the way…

the innocence he possesses today…is something he never loses.

And as I watched the people all around me…everyone within my scope…

I was suddenly filled with wonder…and my heart was filled with hope.

Because in this diverse group of people smiling and waving at the parade

People young and old…big and small…

I saw not only the innocence in the children…

but the childhood innocence in us all.

FAMILY

  I am grateful when I look in the mirror

especially on the days I’m feeling a little sad…

for remembering on my shoulders

I carry the same hopes and prayers and dreams…

my long line of ancestors had.

OUR CHILDREN

 

May we be blessed to be guided by compassion and love

especially with how the events of today’s world are transpiring…

because our children are always watching…

and we never know who we might be harming…

and who you are inspiring.

LETTER TO A GREAT GRAND-DAUGHTER

 

Dear Violet,

Being a Great PopPop and Nana B

comes with a certain amount of responsibility…

We hope we gave our children and grandchildren good advice…

shared things we wanted them to know…

So as you, our great-granddaughter, begins her journey…

here’s some random things we’d like for you to know:

Watch ever person closely…

you’ll find their actions speak louder than their words.

Make friends with all the plants and animals…from the flowers to the birds…

As you travel though your life…wherever you choose to go

remember no-one is perfect…and it’s always better to take it slow.

You’ll find religion can be wonderful…and religion can be cruel.

That a smile can change a person’s day…try not to ridicule.

You’ll find joy is oftentimes waiting on the other side of fear

and a kind word has the power to wipe away a tear.

You’ll also find there is so much love in this world…so much laughter, joy and fun.

May you pray no innocent person ever dies from the bullet of a gun.

It is possible to love our soldiers…but hate everything to do with war.

Please listen more to nature…frequent a good bookstore.

Do your best in this precious life to make every moment last…

because dogs pass away too early and children grow up too fast.

Enjoy the beauty all around you…know it’s okay to cry.

Compassion and acceptance are powerful things…give them both a try.

Finally read the poetry of Emily Dickinson…who wrote this beautiful refrain: 

If I can stop one heart from breaking…I shall not live in vain.

Take these random words of advice…and try to live them every day…

add them to the wisdom you gain…as you try to find your way.

And when you need it…turn to the people who love you…

for their love will always be…

waiting to help and guide you…

Love,

Your Great- PopPop and Nana B.