Mari Broman's "The Column"

Looking back at yesterday to become more grateful today...

In the wake of so many people in our Southern Gulf States having to rebuild, recapture and rethink their lives, it may be hopeful to the rest of us With-all-in-tact to reflect a bit. My childhood included an immigrant grandmother that couldn't speak English and in fact never did. How did we communicate people will ask? I always say through our eyes, hands, and actions. When I became a bit older (twelve) my grandma asked my mom what I would like for Christmas. My mom told her what she and I had talked about, a new dress with a big collar in a pretty color. Sure enough when it was our time to visit Grandma for the holidays there it was. A huge box wrapped very prettily, complete with a big bow. I couldn't believe the package label had my name on it. I opened it up very carefully and it was full and had many things all wrapped neatly in tissue, including a beautiful pastel peach dress with a big white collar. Oh I was so surprised and so grateful, I went over and gave my grandma a big hug.

There were no words exchanged just glances, smiles, and affection demonstrated.
A few years later my grandma had become very ill and was in and out of the hospital. Soon the ineveitable happened. I was 15yrs. old and the one person I knew in my life that loved me and cared for me without any doubt, unconditionally, and had never spoken an English word to me nor I spoken a word to her in her native language but communication had happened, was now gone. No more smiles, or hugs, or loving glances or working on tasks together. She was just gone.
Today reflecting back, What I wouldn't give to have just a simple look, or glance, or hug, or smile from my special grandma who never spoke an English word to me.

Many of our southern gulf neighbors have lost their grandma's, their grandpa's some loved one, and their homes, and cars and ways of life and livelihoods. They are transients now to a new town, or neighborhood, depending on loved ones for some and strangers for others to live. The old adage is Oh so true - you really don't know what you have until its gone.

Reading this bit of reflection may encourage you to consider wherever your life is, whomever you share it with and whatever that location be sure to let the people around you know you care about them, you value them, your are a better person because of them. As one day, in a brief moment they can be gone, you can be gone, your life can be rearranged. Then as you think back you realize it was such a beautiful world... and still can be.

According to the late great jazz musician, actor, singer Louis B. Armstrong"I say to myself, what a beautiful world, Oh yeah!!!!"

Have a wonderful day, and tell someone in some form you care about them. Everything in your world may be changed tomorrow.