Opinion/Musings

Make Your Life Spectacular

/ Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 2 Comments
Robin Williams

Robin Williams (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I like everyone else have been stunned by the untimely passing of Robin Williams. I am not surprised by the outpouring of love from across the globe for this man. We as a people and a nation are hungry for laughter and joy in our lives, and Mr. Williams gave it to us in spades. He uplifted our souls with laughter each and every time he stepped out into the public arena wiping away our worries and fatigue, if only for a brief interlude. And we loved him.

There is a reason the masks of comedy and tragedy are shown together. Humor often hides deep wounds. He brought us much joy, laughter, and comic relief after a many stressful and trying day. He not only uplifted our spirits but encouraged us, moved us with the passion of his words and performances and inspired us.

Comedy and tragedy masks

That we were unable to return the favor and provide a measure of the same rest for his soul, is a tragedy. Perhaps, his legacy to us all will be that we will learn to be more sensitive to others, to listen more carefully, to reach out to help someone in need long before it is too late, and to live extraordinary lives full of joy. Thank you Robin Williams for a life time of laughter and inspiration. 

“Please don’t worry so much. Because in the end, none of us have very long on this Earth. Life is fleeting. And if you’re ever distressed, cast your eyes to the summer sky when the stars are strung across the velvety night. And when a shooting star streaks through the blackness, turning night into day… make a wish and think of me. Make your life spectacular. I know I did.” 

Valedictorian, Jack Charles Powell (AKA Robin Williams in “Jack”)

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=CJrnuZmWQek

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Happy Thanksgiving

/ Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / Leave a comment

This time every year, people are busy preparing a feast and welcoming family. Thanksgiving is the one time of year families and friends gather and give thanks for the blessings God has bestowed upon us. It is a tradition, a time of excitement as the beginning of one year is ending and a new one is beginning. Decorations come out in anticipation of the upcoming sacred holiday and shopping lists made. It is a joyous time for most families.

This year is different. I am struggling find things for which I am thankful. This has been a dark year for my family and me. In fact, it has been a year from Hell. I won’t list the all my family has been through this year; it is too personal and painful. It strains credibility. But as the saying goes, “Truth is stranger than fiction.” 

Given the stress we were under, I had the opportunity to cancel our family thanksgiving, but it is our tradition not subject to the whims of our sorrows.

I believe traditions are important. Thanksgiving is the time of year when families pull together, laugh, reminisce, and embrace each other. A time to reinforce the values we hold dear and pass them to the next generation.

As dark clouds hover over our family, I am trying to focus on the things and people I cherish and hold dear. 

I am thankful for life. Not long ago, turning sixty would have been traumatic, evoking fear and depression. I am a vain person and the aging process is something I fight tooth and nail. However, cheating death, twice, in the span of six months gives you a new perspective. Now I want to celebrate. I’m here. 

I am thankful for the miracle of modern medicine and the high percentage of women beating cancer. Thankful my stepdaughter is returning to her glowing and vibrant self. Thankful my niece is winning her own battle in this dreadful war.

I am thankful for the airlines who bring my daughter and sister home safely. 

I am thankful for my precious grandchildren who light up my world and make me feel young again.

I am grateful for talented friends who support me in my writing endeavors, even during down times.

I am thankful for my precious dogs, Cooper and Piper. For turning naps into an hour of unconditional love and solace.

I am thankful for my husband, his love, tenderness, and patience. He is my safe place to fall and my foundation. 

I am thankful for my children’s love, compassion and devotion to family. It is inspiring.

I am thankful for opportunities to mend old hurts, before it is too late, and minister to those I love. I am thankful each day brings another chance to extend forgiveness and find peace.I am thankful that today and all of the tomorrows given to each and everyone one of us is a new moment, a second chance to get it right, and an opportunity to change, grow and move the world.

To each of you, God bless and have a Happy Thanksgiving.

 

Father Time

/ Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 3 Comments

Funny thing about time; mistakenly we believe there will always be enough. Enough to accomplish our dreams, see the world, or tell those we cherish how much they are loved. The truth is,  Father Time isn’t your friend. No respecter of persons, the clock of life ticks away whether we want it to or not.

When we’re young, we never give a moments notice. We mark our calendars in red, set our smart phones to chime,  setting  people and things we most treasure aside, all in the pursuit of days of  endless busyness.  We’ll have time tomorrow or the next; it isn’t going anywhere.

Only it is, we’re just too busy to notice.

One moment you’re a twenty something graduate excited about making your mark on the world, or a young bride starting her family.

Then you blink.

Your kids are grown leaving retirement and an empty nest to greet you each day.You notice the crow’s feet, greying hair and wonder aloud. Where did all the time go? You protest, But, I feel the same today as I did when ….

Then it happens.

A young cashier or waitress tells you about the senior discount. You catch a glimpse of yourself, the way you favor that left hip or the slowness in your step. Denying the obvious, you work an extra half-hour on the treadmill; schedule a makeover with your hairdresser and shop for a trendy new outfit, trying to hold time at bay. But the god-forsaken neon lights only highlight the age spots, saggy arms, and tits that look wilted rather than perky. The woman in the mirror isn’t who you thought she was.

Father Time has left his mark.

The wake-up call begins. Gripped with urgency whether from vanity or fear, you refuse to accept the subtle signs believing a few laser treatments and Botox will turn  the clock back.

But, you can’t out run Father Time.

Looking in the mirror, I see a woman who doesn’t sashay like she used to. Cheating death twice in less than six months tends to change one’s perspective. I assumed, when the time came, I would handle these heavy issues with grace and dignity. Now, I’m not so sure. It’s hard to feel safe struggling with the changes in my life, with all the things I haven’t done or said. I wish I could go back and start over.

All the brave, “I would never’s…”uttered I take back.

I hear the whispers of Father-time. “Youth and beauty can’t hold a candle to time NOT wasted.

Lucky Kids

/ Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / Leave a comment

It isn’t often I stop another man in public and offer him a compliment, especially when my husband is with me. But a few days ago, I witnessed something that impressed me and I couldn’t let the moment pass.

While shopping for a housewarming gift, I heard the unmistakable sound of merchandise tumbling from the shelf on the aisle next to me. Grateful it wasn’t me knocking things over,  I ignored the commotion until a blur rushed by. The next words and the tone of concern piqued my interest.

“Honey, are you all right?”

I peeked over the shelves in time to see a rather large man rush to the side of a young preteen girl. Her reply was too low for me to hear, but she looked relieved.

He patted her back. “It’s okay, nothing broke.” His voice was gentle. “Let me help you.” He knelt beside her and together they returned each item to its rightful place. He stood, smiled, gave her a reassuring pat on the back, and moved away, leaving her to shop on her own, once again. He left her with no words of reproach or caution to watch what she was doing. He headed in my direction to resume his own shopping as if nothing had happened.

I thought of the many times I’d witnessed other children in similar situations and the reaction of other parents. The small child smacked on their tiny hand, bottom, or jerked away from the store shelves for simply mimicking mommy. The angry and frustrated mother,”I told you not touch!”

The language changes as children grow but the reaction is often the same.”Get away from there. If you break that it’s coming out of your allowance. Do you think I’m made of money?”

Much like the economy, patience is running thin in families across our nation. Our society is in turmoil to the point we are now debating the meaning of family, but as I observed this stranger with his daughter it was clear to me this man was an active, involved father and he understood completely the meaning of family. He gave me hope.

“Excuse me, Sir,” I said. Replacing an item on the shelf, he turned to me.
“Yes?” His smile was warm and welcoming. Faint crows feet crinkled in curiosity, as he looked right at me. I could see why his daughter felt safe.

“I wanted to tell you how impressed I was with how you handled your daughter’s mishap a few minutes ago. So often, I see parents get angry with their children when something like that happens, but your first concern was for your daughter, not the merchandise. It was wonderful to witness such parental love and patience. He seemed surprised.

“Why thank you, but we have five children, we’re used to seeing lots of things get broken.” He chuckled.

“Well, I just thought you should know, you’re a great example for fathers.”

“Thank you. I do my best.”

“Lucky kids,” I said, walking away.