Practically ThereLike a journey that is nearly complete, a thirst about to be quenched or a wish not far from being fulfilled, Practically There is where anticipation and actuality intersect. Here you will find practical solutions, humor, an opinion or two, suggestions, instructions and ruminations on just being. There’s a little something for everyone; sort of like a sampler for the psyche. |
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I was recently cleaning out one of those large clear plastic containers that had been stored down in the cellar under the stairwell. In it was a jumble of various papers and projects and drawings and Popsicle stick what-nots that I had saved throughout each of the kid's elementary school years. My intention was to rummage through the five or so containers that I have accumulated, then sort, organize and allocate to each child a box of his or her own; each containing a small chronicle of their own history and memories. In the process I came across a project from my daughter Taylor's third grade class. It had not been an assignment for the children but rather one for the parents of the children in the class. The task was for each parent to tell the class, in essay/letter form, a little something about their child: how the parent saw him or her, maybe some unique qualities that their child has and what expectations the parent might have for their child's future. It seemed a simple enough undertaking, until I was face to face with a blank and fairly inhospitable piece of paper and a profusion of thoughts. There was so much to say and too little time and space to say it in.
Now, so many years later, as I re-read my own handiwork, it dawned on me that the delightful little girl with the waist length café-au-lait curls, who stood in front of that third grade class and read all about herself through her mother's eyes, what seemed just a moment ago, was now a remarkable young woman; a remarkable and unaffected young woman on the threshold of a new beginning. With great hope, just one of many new beginnings to come.
So what follows is a bit of an excerpt from what I had written to my daughter and her third grade class. Is not the usual for this column - there is nothing particularly funny, no snarky remarks - just a keepsake, a reminder and a genuine and unguarded appeal - if you have children, or if you have someone, anyone, in your life that should know just how they have touched your soul and changed your existence - tell them. Tell each one of them. Tell them now. Because time is transient my friends, time is transient.
"As I ponder what words to put to page, humanity is the first word that comes to mind when I think of you, my darling Taylor. You have enormous humanity. This is not to say that you do not have an edge, no, you have your limits and do not suffer fools easily. That sharpness, though, is deep and only evident through the gradual erosion of goodwill by vanity and ignorance in others. Yours is a quiet spirit with a certain inner peace and a gentle humility that most will never find in a lifetime. Taylor, you have taught us what it means to be human.
Taylor, you have never seen race, creed, color, religion, economics or handicap as a barrier to friendship. Enormously generous and loyal, I pity those who will not have an opportunity to share in your gift of harmony and esprit de corps.
Taylor, you have great humor, though it can be a bit quirky at times. With your particular fondness for Monty Python, you have a pretty good grasp of the absurdities in society and the ironies of life. You are funny. Very funny. And you delight us every evening with the recounting of your day in anecdotes and impressions. You are rarely unkind, though, it is not in your good nature.
My beautiful daughter, your creativity and talents are boundless. The qualities that are so central to your artwork are the same qualities that you also possess; a certain self assured optimism, an openness to new ideas, new opinions and ways of learning and a veritable wealth of imagination. Artistically, Taylor, you are far ahead of where I was at your age and I suspect that you will far surpass me when you are mine.
My hopes and dreams for you are only that you attain your hopes and dreams. I hope for you the most blessed of lives; one filled with interesting people, engaging diversions, grand loves, music, art, laughter, hope, wisdom, integrity, sure footings, warm embraces, sunsets, sunrises, warmth, quiet moments to reflect and the profound ability to bestow forgiveness and to never hold onto hatred. I wish for you resilience and longevity, peace, spirituality and few tears. I hope for you to behold every moment with wonder, to breathe deeply of life's beauty and to never take for granted a single moment or person. I wish for you love and to be loved. Oh, yes, and chocolate, I wish for you lots and lots of chocolate.
All of these things do I wish for you. Daddy and I want for you all that life has to offer and then some. For no one is more deserving. We are so very, very proud of you, Taylor, you have been a gift to us and we hope that you know just how very much you are loved.
Love always, Mommy"
"You may delay, but time will not."
- Benjamin Franklin
