If we are truly wise, each day is unique and should be treasured. No getting up on the wrong side of bed or feeling sorry for yourself. It would be perfect if there were no regrets or past missteps that haunt you. That would not be living in reality because life is full of ups and downs – sadness mixed with much happiness. Take September 18th as an example of an excellent day to be celebrated. Karen and I were married on that day 50 years ago. As college students, probably too young and inexperienced to be making life long commitments, we proceeded without any doubts. The odds of a union lasting 50 years are less than 5%. Karen always rolls her eyes when I say that our marital longevity calls into question her good judgement. Our special day is dampened a bit as the COVID deniers force us to limit the size of the party to family only. It is a shame, Karen has so many friends!
It was in 1971 that Don McLean released American Pie, an epic bit of poetry set to music with a history lesson hidden in the lyrics. Imagine, an 8 minute 42 second song that keeps you listening to every word. The song has spanned 5 decades along with Karen and me. I always listen to it and sing along if I am alone. Unlike the anti-maskers and unvaccinated I understand that it is in the best interests of everyone that my singing voice not ruin a great work of art.
September 18th is noteworthy for other events. We lost the the fabulous RBG, Jimi Hendrix, Albert Einstein, and the Roman Emperor Domitian on this date. On the 18th in 1793 George Washington placed the 1st cornerstone of the U. S. Capital, the New York Times was founded in 1951, Patty Hearst was arrested in 1975 and only a few years earlier President Jimmy Carter made an official filing for his citing of a UFO. That was the day my friends.
In the most modern times, on the 18th we celebrate: National First Love Day, Gymnastics Day, National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness day, Museum Day, World Bamboo Day, and the list goes on…. I will conclude with National Respect Day which is intended as a focus on eliminating domestic and dating violence against women and children. It’s a sad sign of the times that we are still battling abuse in our country.
I have to mention Karen’s excellent children, she raised the girls well and they are the pride and joy of our days together. They are providing the same love and mentoring to our grandchildren! The Notorious RBG reminded us “women will only have true equality when men share with them the responsibility of bringing up the next generation.”
The world lost a good soul on Thursday, Dottie Haga passed away at 97 years of age. Dottie leaves Bob, after nearly 74 years of marriage, and her family with so many great memories—a life well lived, Dottie was vibrant to the end.
I think of Hendrix as I experience the daily highs and lows of our world.
“Purple haze, all in my brain
Lately things don’t seem the same
Actin funny, but I don’t know why
‘Scuse me while I kiss the sky.”
Happy Anniversary to Karen and Godspeed to Dottie. Mike