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You know, people who want to write, and write well, often sit with menacing fingers at the keyboard, pencil threatening paper (note: the paper is far from intimated), they brood – you see, they are serious and mean to make the world aware. To become an apostolate (whatever that entails) you simply have to put the ‘pen” to “paper” but beware you may stumble upon Judas. I now I have.
The Fourth: My apartment sits on the Hudson River, and for the past three years they have paraded the barges, we have seen the boats, the fireworks can be seen from our balcony and living room. It has been a great joy to family and friends. It has been a great joy to me. But why?
I asked that question to my wife and of myself – a few days ago.. As for me, it is a mixture of pride and humility. When I was eight, or so, I used to sit in the kitchen (while soaking my ankles in ice water) and watch the news on a 8 inch color TV and I was also teased, for a time, by my classmates (you see, I am not tall – always the shortest in my class) for being short. One day my Mother whispered in my ear two sentences: (1) “what can you do about it” and (2) as I watched the nightly news “you are lucky you were born here”. True on both accounts.
I asked my wife today – “What does July 4th mean to you?” Nothing was the response. Nothing. Now she dances to the “Grand Old Flag”, and “Yankee Doodle Dandy” etc. but, I guess, that is the extent of it on the 4th for her.. As for me, it is a mixture of pride and humility. I feel pride – about those that came before me (including my own ancestors) – and humility because I feel I don’t quite measure up (and probably never will).
But my wife’s answer to a simple question: “What does the 4th of July mean to you” struck a cord with me. It did so because she is only one year younger than I am. Her enthusiasm gives me hope, but the lack understanding on why she should be enthusiastic – stole my breath.
The Fourth: My apartment sits on the Hudson River, and for the past three years they have paraded the barges, we have seen the boats, the fireworks can be seen from our balcony and living room. It has been a great joy to family and friends. It has been a great joy to me. But why?
I asked that question to my wife and of myself – a few days ago.. As for me, it is a mixture of pride and humility. When I was eight, or so, I used to sit in the kitchen (while soaking my ankles in ice water) and watch the news on a 8 inch color TV and I was also teased, for a time, by my classmates (you see, I am not tall – always the shortest in my class) for being short. One day my Mother whispered in my ear two sentences: (1) “what can you do about it” and (2) as I watched the nightly news “you are lucky you were born here”. True on both accounts.
I asked my wife today – “What does July 4th mean to you?” Nothing was the response. Nothing. Now she dances to the “Grand Old Flag”, and “Yankee Doodle Dandy” etc. but, I guess, that is the extent of it on the 4th for her.. As for me, it is a mixture of pride and humility. I feel pride – about those that came before me (including my own ancestors) – and humility because I feel I don’t quite measure up (and probably never will).
But my wife’s answer to a simple question: “What does the 4th of July mean to you” struck a cord with me. It did so because she is only one year younger than I am. Her enthusiasm gives me hope, but the lack understanding on why she should be enthusiastic – stole my breath.