Look, there has been volumes written about the male ego; face it guys, we are over-the-top when it comes to self-interest, conceit and pride! There, I have stated it in a publicly admission. Please note that I did not apologize for such egotism; simply confessed. This male craving becomes more difficult to garner as we 'grow-older.' Our slowly declining relevance begins to erode the opportunity to 'strut.' By golly, I believe I could once 'strut' while sitting down! However, we eventually become insignificant players; no longer prime timers.
After retirement from the mainstream, I began building my warm ego-stroking cocoon through a couple of books writings, speaking engagements and coaching-certification teaching. Unfortunately, time and lack of school funds soon halted those ego-lifting gigs. Today, this old-goat fusses with directing a once a-year basketball tournament for Decatur, serves the same as a sport consultant and bugs you with these daily rantings. I tell myself that I still enjoy 'going out' but I must be honest I like coming coming home better.
Yesterday, I was in a telephone dither of important matters calling area high school athletic directors in a fact-finding mission for the Decatur School District. Also, my plate was occupied by several conversations and email exchanges with Illinois State University folks as I attempt to position granddaughters, Erica and Loren for student employment in the ISU athletic department when they enter next fall. I was just a busy-boy filled with self-importance.
When the telephone rang, breaking my checklist rhythm, I was surprised to hear a gentleman identify himself as an associate director at the IHSA office. Suddenly, I was 'back-in-the-day' as a principal figure in this State of Illinois High School Sports' governing body! The gent said that he was seeking my assistance! Dad-burn-it, I AM THE MAN! Shucks, the IHSA needs my help. Take a deep breath Mel.
The IHSA representative did not really know me but said, "I was in a meeting recently and the Director gave me the charge to develop a 'History of Illinois Prep Basketball Invitational Tournaments that are the oldest; somebody in the meeting room told me to telephone you." Whoa!Talk about an ego-buster backhanded compliment. My self-glorified perceived wisdom now shares the stage with old timer info-status.
Hey, while you all may, feel free to telephone, Methuselah Mel...but call before 8:30 P.M., please!
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
One Man's Observation
I only know what I know from the experience comparisons in my nearly seventy-four year-journey. That said, what I am going to share with you is my factual account, however there is no 'right' or 'wrong' to be concluded. Let me examine the parenting imposed and observed and the social climate of my youth matched against today's climate. I would also examine my Methodist Church transfiguration, news source assimilation, schools and work-place attitude. Ready? Let's go!
(1) Parenting: My parents were middle class blue-collar people with strong Christian principles. I felt very secure and never doubted that I was loved. However, I never felt that I was worshiped by parents or grandparents nor more important than others in the family. I was told 'no' frequently and spanked on occasion. My Father made it extremely clear that his wife (my Mother) was special. During my teenage years, my Father often cautioned me when I was leaving the home at night, "Boy, don't let your mouth overload your ass and be home before midnight!" My Mother's advice focused on the importance to respect girls and wear clean underwear; the latter had something to do with her being embarrassed at a hospital. I think most of my grandkids feel much more important and entitled than did I at the youthful years. I would distinguish between my youth and that of my grandkids thus: I really wanted to please my parents whereas, I sense that my children really want to please my grandchildren. I could be wrong but I think not.
(2) Social Climate: My adolescent summer days found me gone from the house most of the day and never was there any concern for my whereabouts or safety. My parents never worried themselves with my practice of hitchhiking a ride to the community park. I am certain that kidnappers and pedophiles were around back in the day but it is seemingly a greater issue and cause for parental concern today. Once upon a time, many folks had shotguns for hunting and no one had a semi-automatic gun...that crap is bassackwards today! I note a connection between today's violence perhaps linked to the closing of most state mental institutions and the replacement with halfway houses where people sometimes don't get their medication.
(3) The many Methodist preachers I heard from the 1940 and 1950's pulpits frequently spoke passionately about my sin, my need to repent and the consequences of Hell's fire. Today, I hear Preachers sweet-talking congregations!
(4) Back-in-the-day, the dad gum television picture turned 'fuzzy' or a test pattern appeared on the screen late at night; T.V. programming ended at some point! Today, we are kept in a frenzy (24/7)with constant 'loop' replays of the most hate-filled and mean spirited dialog one can imagine.
Is it any wonder that should someone 'look' different or 'think' differently they are automatically 'good-for-nothing' enemies!
(5) I grew up respecting the clergy, teachers, police officers and other folks of authority. Many people today speak disdain for these professionals. Imagine, my parents 'sided' with teachers! My Father's buddies were heard 'boasting' about their work skills and productivity; today, many workers brag about 'how much they are paid and how little they need do!
Of course, the good news is that we have more time to either complain, fear or fix these problems, if they are problems, because we now live longer!
(1) Parenting: My parents were middle class blue-collar people with strong Christian principles. I felt very secure and never doubted that I was loved. However, I never felt that I was worshiped by parents or grandparents nor more important than others in the family. I was told 'no' frequently and spanked on occasion. My Father made it extremely clear that his wife (my Mother) was special. During my teenage years, my Father often cautioned me when I was leaving the home at night, "Boy, don't let your mouth overload your ass and be home before midnight!" My Mother's advice focused on the importance to respect girls and wear clean underwear; the latter had something to do with her being embarrassed at a hospital. I think most of my grandkids feel much more important and entitled than did I at the youthful years. I would distinguish between my youth and that of my grandkids thus: I really wanted to please my parents whereas, I sense that my children really want to please my grandchildren. I could be wrong but I think not.
(2) Social Climate: My adolescent summer days found me gone from the house most of the day and never was there any concern for my whereabouts or safety. My parents never worried themselves with my practice of hitchhiking a ride to the community park. I am certain that kidnappers and pedophiles were around back in the day but it is seemingly a greater issue and cause for parental concern today. Once upon a time, many folks had shotguns for hunting and no one had a semi-automatic gun...that crap is bassackwards today! I note a connection between today's violence perhaps linked to the closing of most state mental institutions and the replacement with halfway houses where people sometimes don't get their medication.
(3) The many Methodist preachers I heard from the 1940 and 1950's pulpits frequently spoke passionately about my sin, my need to repent and the consequences of Hell's fire. Today, I hear Preachers sweet-talking congregations!
(4) Back-in-the-day, the dad gum television picture turned 'fuzzy' or a test pattern appeared on the screen late at night; T.V. programming ended at some point! Today, we are kept in a frenzy (24/7)with constant 'loop' replays of the most hate-filled and mean spirited dialog one can imagine.
Is it any wonder that should someone 'look' different or 'think' differently they are automatically 'good-for-nothing' enemies!
(5) I grew up respecting the clergy, teachers, police officers and other folks of authority. Many people today speak disdain for these professionals. Imagine, my parents 'sided' with teachers! My Father's buddies were heard 'boasting' about their work skills and productivity; today, many workers brag about 'how much they are paid and how little they need do!
Of course, the good news is that we have more time to either complain, fear or fix these problems, if they are problems, because we now live longer!
Monday, January 7, 2013
---Get A Clue!
Those who have been reading my blog for some time now, know that I am a person of 'slightly above' average intelligence; perhaps I slightly exaggerate. Okay, shall we not quibble but move towards the larger uncertainty? Why is it that many Americans believe that there is a distinct and hard-fast uncompromising position of the best economic system for our government and thus Capitalism always trumps a philosophy of Socialism. Relax! Before you rush to color me 'pink,' please hear my logic.
By simple definition: Capitalism is an economic system whereby people with some money can invest with the intention of increasing their investment into profit. This system affords a degree of privacy and great potential for personal financial gain or loss. By simple definition: Socialism requires available wealth to be pooled and then distributed according to need and the greatest benefit to society. It is not a prerequisite for a nation's economic well-being to place 'all eggs' in one basket.
Let me put this opinion front and center: I believe America operates very well under a 'mixed-economic' system...thank you! The wonderful 'go-for-it' riverboat gambling attitude of Americans has hundreds of thousands of success stories, which have in turn driven an economy allowing many people employment. Hooray for Capitalism! However, considering the many desired wants of those successful Capitalistic countrymen such as police and fire protection, the public library, a protective military, public schools, public transit, natural disaster relief, etc, etc. Well, I'll be , Praise the Lord and pass the tax collection plate (while Grover Norquist isn't looking) distribute some 'pooled money' and improve the interstate highways along with my Medicare. Hooray for Socialism!
I will concede the argument that many entitlement programs are 'out-of-hand' and must be addressed; however are you kidding me, an elected politician takes a 'vow' to never raise taxes during his/her tenure!
Believe that which you may; as for Mr. 'Slightly Above,' I'll take the Eclectic Economic System: I shall take the best of Capitalism and the best of Socialism and while I'm selecting, I shall try to remember to eat a little bit of veggies, little bit of fruit and not all meat.
"The greatest poorness is the lack of brains." (Arabic proverb)...oops, I hope I don't offend my Christian brethren with that proverb.
By simple definition: Capitalism is an economic system whereby people with some money can invest with the intention of increasing their investment into profit. This system affords a degree of privacy and great potential for personal financial gain or loss. By simple definition: Socialism requires available wealth to be pooled and then distributed according to need and the greatest benefit to society. It is not a prerequisite for a nation's economic well-being to place 'all eggs' in one basket.
Let me put this opinion front and center: I believe America operates very well under a 'mixed-economic' system...thank you! The wonderful 'go-for-it' riverboat gambling attitude of Americans has hundreds of thousands of success stories, which have in turn driven an economy allowing many people employment. Hooray for Capitalism! However, considering the many desired wants of those successful Capitalistic countrymen such as police and fire protection, the public library, a protective military, public schools, public transit, natural disaster relief, etc, etc. Well, I'll be , Praise the Lord and pass the tax collection plate (while Grover Norquist isn't looking) distribute some 'pooled money' and improve the interstate highways along with my Medicare. Hooray for Socialism!
I will concede the argument that many entitlement programs are 'out-of-hand' and must be addressed; however are you kidding me, an elected politician takes a 'vow' to never raise taxes during his/her tenure!
Believe that which you may; as for Mr. 'Slightly Above,' I'll take the Eclectic Economic System: I shall take the best of Capitalism and the best of Socialism and while I'm selecting, I shall try to remember to eat a little bit of veggies, little bit of fruit and not all meat.
"The greatest poorness is the lack of brains." (Arabic proverb)...oops, I hope I don't offend my Christian brethren with that proverb.
Saturday, January 5, 2013
I Wanna Be Like Mike
I have always been a 'building-block' kinda guy. This abstraction is predicated on what I believe is innate in the human DNA; imitation or if you will, patterning after another, IE., modeling. Let me connect these dots. When I was an adolescent, my friends and I would often engage in play and actually used the phrase, 'Let's play like...' Later, I noticed my own adolescent children engaging in those juvenile activities but the phrase had become, 'Let's pretend...' I suppose as time marches on lingo can become more sophisticated. The play-like-pretend games find children emulating others, usually those perceived as heroes. This is the 'copier's' expressed desire to do good and be of some greater virtue. As we grow older, we cease playing those 'pretend' games for the most part but we none-the-less aspire to achieve and or elevate our status and persona.
My role as an educator and high school coach for nearly forty-years positioned me to address this basic human desire and I did; I used the 'building-block' approach to accomplish this objective. One can find success stories in every field of endeavor. The story may last indefinitely but the story-maker is on borrowed time as are we all. Before the hour-glass sand runs its course, I believe that we should seize the opportunity to 'lift and salute' the achiever; the doer of good! As we honor and publicly salute the achiever, I firmly believe that we lay the foundation for others to pattern after, match or even surpass...and thus the positive building block effect improves the human condition.
I spearheaded efforts to establish a Hall-of-Fame recognition ceremony and HOF Room for the sport achievers at Jacksonville high school. Also, in joint cooperation with the Jacksonville Rotary Club, we established a Scholar-Athlete annual awards banquet recognition night to honor student-athletes, succeeding in sport and academics, from some 51- West-Central Illinois high schools.
Throughout my previous 12-years tenure as coordinator of the Decatur Boys' Thanksgiving Basketball Tournament, I have brought to the arena (court) numerous individuals for public recognition and acknowledgement for various accomplishments or community service.
This brings me to my current effort. I am attempting to motivate the powers that be to name a Decatur school district baseball field after Decatur Eisenhower graduate and former Major League Baseball player, Bill Madlock. Why? Bill Madlock won four (4) National League batting titles during his career. To put that in a prospective, Hall-of-Fame great, Stan Musial won seven (7) National League batting titles.
The fact that Bill Madlock is African-American is significant to me; perhaps some adolescent Decatur boys of every color, who are 'pretending' to be MLB players, can envision and strive for that goal more passionately when they play-ball on the 'Bill Madlock Field.'
My role as an educator and high school coach for nearly forty-years positioned me to address this basic human desire and I did; I used the 'building-block' approach to accomplish this objective. One can find success stories in every field of endeavor. The story may last indefinitely but the story-maker is on borrowed time as are we all. Before the hour-glass sand runs its course, I believe that we should seize the opportunity to 'lift and salute' the achiever; the doer of good! As we honor and publicly salute the achiever, I firmly believe that we lay the foundation for others to pattern after, match or even surpass...and thus the positive building block effect improves the human condition.
I spearheaded efforts to establish a Hall-of-Fame recognition ceremony and HOF Room for the sport achievers at Jacksonville high school. Also, in joint cooperation with the Jacksonville Rotary Club, we established a Scholar-Athlete annual awards banquet recognition night to honor student-athletes, succeeding in sport and academics, from some 51- West-Central Illinois high schools.
Throughout my previous 12-years tenure as coordinator of the Decatur Boys' Thanksgiving Basketball Tournament, I have brought to the arena (court) numerous individuals for public recognition and acknowledgement for various accomplishments or community service.
This brings me to my current effort. I am attempting to motivate the powers that be to name a Decatur school district baseball field after Decatur Eisenhower graduate and former Major League Baseball player, Bill Madlock. Why? Bill Madlock won four (4) National League batting titles during his career. To put that in a prospective, Hall-of-Fame great, Stan Musial won seven (7) National League batting titles.
The fact that Bill Madlock is African-American is significant to me; perhaps some adolescent Decatur boys of every color, who are 'pretending' to be MLB players, can envision and strive for that goal more passionately when they play-ball on the 'Bill Madlock Field.'
Friday, January 4, 2013
Call Them Like You See Them!
Collinsville, Illinois is a community of some fine people. My parents lived in Collinsville and operated a restaurant for a number of years. My Father was very active in Collinsville Service Clubs. My wife and I purchased a home along the Route 157 bluffs in Collinsville and lived there a few years while coaching at Edwardsville high school.
My personal history with Collinsville began as a high school baseball and basketball player participating in the Southwestern Conference where Collinsville High and East St. Louis High were competing members. I mentioned that I coached at Edwardsville high school and they, too were SWC members. It is fair to state that I have a long history with Collinsville. Did I mention that Collinsville has some fine folks? Well, Collinsville is also plagued with some folks who are totally absorbed in 'self!' When folks view the world through self-righteous lenses, they completely turn me off.
Okay, let me cut to the chase. Several years ago, the Collinsville boys basketball team participated under the first of a two-year contract in the Decatur Public Schools Thanksgiving basketball tourney. (Please note that I have coordinated this event for the Decatur School District for a dozen years). Collinsville was over matched and defeated soundly three straight games. The Collinsvlle basketball coach requested that I release them from the second year contractual commitment because they were 'in over their heads.' I accommodated those wishes without any financial fine for vacating the contract. It was the 'right' thing to do.
During this past Christmas season, I was in the Collinsville area for my Mother's wake visitation and funeral. After her funeral, I attended the Collinsville Tournament to watch my son's Granite City team compete. Our youngest daughter, husband and two children did the same before returning to their Jacksonville home. The individual who was that basketball coach 'wanting' out of that contract years back is now Collinsville's athletics director. He gave my daughter a hassle about the manner in which the Granite City coach listed names on his pass list and did not allow my daughter and three-family members free-pass-gate admission.
I addressed the matter with the Collinsville athletics director upon learning about it. In no uncertain terms and with succinct verbal expressions, I reminded him of 'doing' the right thing as did I allowing him 'out' of that contract years earlier. His response: "That was your choice, you didn't have to do that."
Did I mention that Collinsville has some fine people; they really do!
PS. I allowed one week to pass and then I telephoned the Collinsvlle high school Principal. The spirit of the conversation was to explain what happened and urge the Principal to have a 'mentoring' session with his athletics director. It is unimportant determining who is right but more important to GET IT RIGHT! As I suggested to the Principal; it is not often that educational administrators have the opportunity to be a 'hero;' seize the moment.
My personal history with Collinsville began as a high school baseball and basketball player participating in the Southwestern Conference where Collinsville High and East St. Louis High were competing members. I mentioned that I coached at Edwardsville high school and they, too were SWC members. It is fair to state that I have a long history with Collinsville. Did I mention that Collinsville has some fine folks? Well, Collinsville is also plagued with some folks who are totally absorbed in 'self!' When folks view the world through self-righteous lenses, they completely turn me off.
Okay, let me cut to the chase. Several years ago, the Collinsville boys basketball team participated under the first of a two-year contract in the Decatur Public Schools Thanksgiving basketball tourney. (Please note that I have coordinated this event for the Decatur School District for a dozen years). Collinsville was over matched and defeated soundly three straight games. The Collinsvlle basketball coach requested that I release them from the second year contractual commitment because they were 'in over their heads.' I accommodated those wishes without any financial fine for vacating the contract. It was the 'right' thing to do.
During this past Christmas season, I was in the Collinsville area for my Mother's wake visitation and funeral. After her funeral, I attended the Collinsville Tournament to watch my son's Granite City team compete. Our youngest daughter, husband and two children did the same before returning to their Jacksonville home. The individual who was that basketball coach 'wanting' out of that contract years back is now Collinsville's athletics director. He gave my daughter a hassle about the manner in which the Granite City coach listed names on his pass list and did not allow my daughter and three-family members free-pass-gate admission.
I addressed the matter with the Collinsville athletics director upon learning about it. In no uncertain terms and with succinct verbal expressions, I reminded him of 'doing' the right thing as did I allowing him 'out' of that contract years earlier. His response: "That was your choice, you didn't have to do that."
Did I mention that Collinsville has some fine people; they really do!
PS. I allowed one week to pass and then I telephoned the Collinsvlle high school Principal. The spirit of the conversation was to explain what happened and urge the Principal to have a 'mentoring' session with his athletics director. It is unimportant determining who is right but more important to GET IT RIGHT! As I suggested to the Principal; it is not often that educational administrators have the opportunity to be a 'hero;' seize the moment.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Time is Fleeting
I suppose it is one of those thoughts that surface when we 'closeout' the old and bring in the 'New Year.' I speak of my mind's tendency to reflect. I was engaged in one of those reflective moments last night as I began to make a mental list of those folks who impacted my life to the extent that those interpersonal collisions created most of what I did!
Actually, I made two lists on the subject: one list included family; the second list did not. First, I offer the 'impact-list' with family: (1) My father nurtured that seed-growth in sport-play and do it without complaint. (2) My Mother was that guidepost in manners and 'how' to treat women. (3) My maternal grandmother (Mammy) was the constant Biblical Scriptures voice in my head.
(4) My paternal grandmother (Rosedelle) demonstrated that 'silent-strength' in the most difficult circumstance. (5) E.V. Bennett (maternal grandfather) offered the 'good-nature;' don't take yourself too seriously demeanor. (6) Bob "Moe' Croak, a first cousin was a nut about the game of baseball. He was three years my senior but I always enjoyed being around him because he was so 'upbeat.' I must have bee about nine years old when Cousin Bob rode his bike into Grandpa E. V. Bennett;s driveway yelling at me to follow him to the local baseball sandlot where the Rosemont 'Rangers' were to play the Washington Park 'Flyers.' The 'Rangers' were one player short and I was the designated right fielder. Although, slightly intimidated by the older players that day, I was smitten by the competition and my life's direction changed on that hot summer sandlot game day! Thanks, Bob.
The aforementioned blueprint and anchored foundation was taken into my public journey only to be impacted by others; here is that second impact list: (1) Mr. Jim Spickard, a little league baseball coach repeatedly explained the connection between sport competition and life. (2) Pick Dehner asked me to drop out of high school for one semester so that I would not graduate in mid-year thus keeping intact two back-to-back basketball seasons. Because of this maneuvering, I gained a sport scholarship and a free college education. (3) Ray Sonnenberg, a YMCA Director hired me to work the East St. Louis summer Y Camps. His methods of interpersonal communication skills rubbed off. (4) Illinois State basketball coach, Jim Collie. He recruited me and took special interest in my career development as a 'Coach.' (5) My wife, Gerry. I place her on this list because she did not start out as family. We dated for seven (7) years before we married and we shall mark our fifty-third anniversary come June. Her sincerity and love for others is a standard, which I can only aspire to achieve!
I would hope this blog would cause you to 'make-a-list.' Once you finish with the list (s) consider telephoning or writing those still alive on your list and thank them; some, I waited too long to contact.
Actually, I made two lists on the subject: one list included family; the second list did not. First, I offer the 'impact-list' with family: (1) My father nurtured that seed-growth in sport-play and do it without complaint. (2) My Mother was that guidepost in manners and 'how' to treat women. (3) My maternal grandmother (Mammy) was the constant Biblical Scriptures voice in my head.
(4) My paternal grandmother (Rosedelle) demonstrated that 'silent-strength' in the most difficult circumstance. (5) E.V. Bennett (maternal grandfather) offered the 'good-nature;' don't take yourself too seriously demeanor. (6) Bob "Moe' Croak, a first cousin was a nut about the game of baseball. He was three years my senior but I always enjoyed being around him because he was so 'upbeat.' I must have bee about nine years old when Cousin Bob rode his bike into Grandpa E. V. Bennett;s driveway yelling at me to follow him to the local baseball sandlot where the Rosemont 'Rangers' were to play the Washington Park 'Flyers.' The 'Rangers' were one player short and I was the designated right fielder. Although, slightly intimidated by the older players that day, I was smitten by the competition and my life's direction changed on that hot summer sandlot game day! Thanks, Bob.
The aforementioned blueprint and anchored foundation was taken into my public journey only to be impacted by others; here is that second impact list: (1) Mr. Jim Spickard, a little league baseball coach repeatedly explained the connection between sport competition and life. (2) Pick Dehner asked me to drop out of high school for one semester so that I would not graduate in mid-year thus keeping intact two back-to-back basketball seasons. Because of this maneuvering, I gained a sport scholarship and a free college education. (3) Ray Sonnenberg, a YMCA Director hired me to work the East St. Louis summer Y Camps. His methods of interpersonal communication skills rubbed off. (4) Illinois State basketball coach, Jim Collie. He recruited me and took special interest in my career development as a 'Coach.' (5) My wife, Gerry. I place her on this list because she did not start out as family. We dated for seven (7) years before we married and we shall mark our fifty-third anniversary come June. Her sincerity and love for others is a standard, which I can only aspire to achieve!
I would hope this blog would cause you to 'make-a-list.' Once you finish with the list (s) consider telephoning or writing those still alive on your list and thank them; some, I waited too long to contact.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
It's a Legacy Thing
I know of no 48-hour time period within the span of one-year, which causes me such a vast range in emotional feelings as does that of December 31st and January 1st! My head swims with moments of reflections of a year past and the potential yet growing uncertainty anticipated in a new 12-month setting.
One thing that perpetuates this cross-hairs/ head-spinning of the previous year's recall as it clashes with the dubious uncertainties of tomorrow is the plethora of television programming explanations of what happened and the predictions of what's happenin'. Surely, we who have celebrated numerous New Year's revelries pause in our tracks as we note the many of contemporaries relinquishing this journey. On an even more personal level, do we not falter with hesitation counting and remembering the names of family and friends departing our midst in these past 365 days?
As I sort through and negotiate this human maze, I always come to the same conclusion; this experience man references as 'life' has and will forever be about birth, re-birth and hope, which survives through our service to others. I share with you these personal moments with my recently deceased Mother. In her very latter years, I watched my Mother's strength evaporate, her beautiful body endure the ravages of age with accompanying maladies and the confiscation of her dignity. I recall many times during this period when she would say, "I am tired and old, my love ones and friends are all gone; my body denies my wishes, I wish to go home; why doesn't HE take me? During these personal conversations, I would tell my mother: "Mom, God still has plans for you here, perhaps you have another life to touch in HIS name." Oh, she would always agree with my counter and the moment would give way to another conversation topic.
The very last lucid verbal interaction with this lady, my greatest gift, was three days before she passed. I spoke to her on the telephone and she said, "Oh, honey I am so depressed at times." I immediately but firmly interrupted her thought refusing to allow her to run with that feeling but interjected, "Mom, you cannot give way to that emotion; you must ask your Lord to hold your hand for these final steps!" Before another judges those words that I expressed to my Mom, please note that those were words I heard from my Mother's lips many years ago. It's a legacy thing!
Oh, 2013? I know that my God has plans for me and I have some plans, also; together they will happen in this New Year!
One thing that perpetuates this cross-hairs/ head-spinning of the previous year's recall as it clashes with the dubious uncertainties of tomorrow is the plethora of television programming explanations of what happened and the predictions of what's happenin'. Surely, we who have celebrated numerous New Year's revelries pause in our tracks as we note the many of contemporaries relinquishing this journey. On an even more personal level, do we not falter with hesitation counting and remembering the names of family and friends departing our midst in these past 365 days?
As I sort through and negotiate this human maze, I always come to the same conclusion; this experience man references as 'life' has and will forever be about birth, re-birth and hope, which survives through our service to others. I share with you these personal moments with my recently deceased Mother. In her very latter years, I watched my Mother's strength evaporate, her beautiful body endure the ravages of age with accompanying maladies and the confiscation of her dignity. I recall many times during this period when she would say, "I am tired and old, my love ones and friends are all gone; my body denies my wishes, I wish to go home; why doesn't HE take me? During these personal conversations, I would tell my mother: "Mom, God still has plans for you here, perhaps you have another life to touch in HIS name." Oh, she would always agree with my counter and the moment would give way to another conversation topic.
The very last lucid verbal interaction with this lady, my greatest gift, was three days before she passed. I spoke to her on the telephone and she said, "Oh, honey I am so depressed at times." I immediately but firmly interrupted her thought refusing to allow her to run with that feeling but interjected, "Mom, you cannot give way to that emotion; you must ask your Lord to hold your hand for these final steps!" Before another judges those words that I expressed to my Mom, please note that those were words I heard from my Mother's lips many years ago. It's a legacy thing!
Oh, 2013? I know that my God has plans for me and I have some plans, also; together they will happen in this New Year!
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