Memory Day

 

I started chatting with a distinguished looking man in the donut line this morning. (Dark suit, red tie, wire glasses.) Turns out he’s the manager of Rosehill Cemetery.  I go by it all the time.  “Are there many vets there?” I ask, thinking of today.“  “We actually have quit a few from the Civil War.” He seemed proud.

I’ve been so busy thinking of our recent tragic wars, I forgot to include this one.

As I was leaving the lot, I noticed a marvelous black vintage car.  Perfect condition. The Cemetery Man approached.  “Great car!”, I smiled with joy.  “It’s a 1953 Buick sedan,”  he beamed. 

Vets. Buicks.  Yes, it’s a day for memories.

Pride and Shame

 

As always on Memorial Day, I remember my Uncle Elwood Duncan.  He fought in the Pacific.  Was captured by the Japanese.  Returned miraculously, but died young still handsome in his uniform.  It was the "good war."

So also, my heart goes out to my friend Julia.  Her brother died pitifully young in Vietnam. He, and the thousands who joined him in death over a failed war, deserve a special moment of remembrance.

The Power of a Smile

 

I don't know when it started but for a long time now I've worn a smile whenever I'm out.  In the elevator and hallway.  In the garage or the grocery.  Sometimes I'll say: "Good morning." Or, "Have a nice day."  I'm constantly amazed and heartened by the response. People hold open the door for me.  My car is in a convenient location when I leave in the morning.  The gal at the Jewel gladly shows me where my favorite cookies have been relocated. 

 Like meets like.  Game meets game.  

These little moments are a carve out, under the rule of good cheer.  

Have a great day.

The New Guys

 Anthony Edwards

This oldster is having a hard time keeping up with the NBA playoffs.  Just as I am letting go of my grief at losing Nadal and Federer, I now have to face the fact that LeBron, Steph and KD are out. And, it's only the first round!

I turn to my basketball guru Miro for an update.  He tells me to keep my eye on Anthony Edwards and Jalen Brunson.

You know what's worse than having to get to know the new NBA stars?  Yes.  It's living with the same old, same old, mediocre Bulls. 

Can't wait to see who makes it to the finals. 

The Beauty of Refusal

 The bug that infects students world-wide with timely rage has returned.  Rage by prosperous  youth against the madness of the insanely prosperous and powerful. Rage against the futility of education.  For the powerful are the beneficiaries of the best that civilization has to offer and yet...and yet.

The uprisings will be crushed.  The story of refusal that breaks through so briefly will be rewritten.  "Wise heads" will write the story for history...and for themselves. 

I'm glad I've been around for two of these moments.  They leave me briefly infected with hope.