Leave a little sparkle
wherever you go...
“Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.”
This past weekend I rediscovered a journal my father kept during the fall and winter of 1988. He wrote in it on a daily basis and as I started to read it, I took a little trip down memory lane.
My father had a way with words and the only regret I have is that I wish he had better handwriting.
Regardless of the effort it takes to decipher some of the words, I really enjoyed reading this journal.
Interspersed among all of the descriptions of his daily projects and his interactions with family and friends, were his philosophies about life and the current events of the day. Anyone who knew my father at all, knew that he was a very intelligent man who loved discussing a variety of topics - especially history, sports and politics.
I enjoyed reading his interpretations of the 1988 presidential campaign and his hopes and dreams for our nation and our future. He talked about my involvement with creating a Young Democrats group at the local college I attended and my excitement at getting to travel to Eau Claire, WI with a retired teacher friend and her husband, where I shook hands with then presidential candidate Gov. Dukakis. “Very lucky,” he wrote.
He also wrote about our birthdays, which were two days apart, and my mother’s famous banana cream cake - his favorite. He described my birthday that year as follows, “We enjoyed a nice birthday party - cake, presents and song, to celebrate Sheila’s 20th birthday. It is hard to believe that she is that old and that for the first time, in a long while, we are without a teenager in the family.”
Later in the journal he wrote about traveling to Janesville to celebrate my Grandma Fanning’s 80th birthday party, enjoying the Euchre card games and the fun conversations that went along with them. He described the following day going to mass at the church he was married in, “Although the church has changed much over the last twenty years, both in type of service and physical appearance, there is enough that remains familiar to give one the feeling of returning home…”
Later on he wrote about bird hunting in their woods with their dog, his frustrations with the Packers losing season, going on long walks with my mother on a trail he had created around their property and their struggles and triumphs with their wood carving Christmas ornament business…As I read, I remembered ... .a different time that now seems like several lifetimes ago…
I was also reminded most of what I miss the most - my parents’ encouraging words and their unconditional love…Reading his journal reminded me of their support of me during my college years, which was essential for my future and I will always be grateful for that…
My favorite passage was of our Christmas Eve dinner, “Everything seems to be coming to a halt as we prepare for Christmas Eve. All other projects are deterred and we seem to mark time waiting for the big evening, much as we did when we were children. It started snowing early in the day, not heavy, but persistent. I took a walk through the woods just at twilight and was rewarded with an early Christmas present. Deep in the woods, near a group of heavy pines, with snowflakes falling in the early evening, stood two deer which suddenly appeared out of nowhere. Instead of running away from me, they leisurely bounded toward me, within fifty feet, presenting me with a live scene that would have been appropriate for a Christmas card…Later we enjoyed a great meal by candlelight - salmon loaf, green peas, baked potatoes, eggnog, wine, home baked rolls and all the Christmas cookies one could eat. Then we opened our presents and enjoyed a very nice evening here, in the quiet of the woods…”
As I closed the journal, I found comfort in remembering…Sometimes, especially when the world seems very chaotic, it is healthy to go back in time…to the good memories...and to realize that even though we now live in very different times, we are all still, at our core, human beings whose main goals…to love and be loved…have not changed…
Life is a delicate balance of fondly remembering the past and passionately moving towards the future…
But reminiscing also reminds you of where you came from, the important people who got you to where you are today and perhaps, most importantly, how their existence can live on in your life and in your example…
Learning to leave a sparkle, of love and kindness, like they did, wherever you go…
What do you think?
My support comes from my subscribers and I really appreciate it. If you enjoy what the Kindness Boomerang newsletter provides, please feel free to share this link on your social media. Subscriptions can be either free or paid. It’s a simple process of sharing your email address. Thanks for your support!
For information about why I started this newsletter, please go to the about section.
Tranquil Moments…
I asked my niece, Jennifer Malphy, if she could share some of her nature photos with my newsletter audience. Each week I will feature a new photo. Here is this week’s:
This week’s Smile video…
Earlier this month, Francis Apraku, custodian at James Madison High School in Vienna, Virginia, was brought to his knees at an astonishing sight, courtesy of students at his school. Correspondent Steve Hartman talked with Apraku about how his heart's desire was made real.
#believe #smilevideos #spreadkindnessandlove
What I am reading…
I have always loved the power of picture books. Drawn Together does not disappoint. It is a wonderful blend of art and storytelling bringing generations together.
The Amazon description is as follows, “When a young boy visits his grandfather, their lack of a common language leads to confusion, frustration, and silence. But as they sit down to draw together, something magical happens—with a shared love of art and storytelling, the two form a bond that goes beyond words.
With spare, direct text by Minh Lê and luminous illustrations by Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat, this stirring picture book about reaching across barriers will be cherished for years to come.”
Happy Fall Y’all!
It officially arrived this week and I am looking forward to cooler temperatures, pumpkins, birthdays, holidays, falling leaves and the natural beauty that this season brings!
What I am watching…
Described as a gender-flipping reboot of the original Matlock with Andy Griffith, Kathy Bates plays Madeline Matlock, who claims to be a widowed, inexperienced ex-lawyer raising her grandson and in need of money, who takes a job at Olympia's law firm.
I loved the first episode (including some fun plot twists) and I look forward to watching this series this fall.
Podcast picks…
Have you ever wondered how a simple act of kindness could ripple through a community and change lives? Today, we sit down with Terri Hamilton, a positive mindset and mindfulness coach, who shares her incredible journey from being an elementary school teacher and guidance counselor to founding Apparent Connection LLC. Terry's passion for promoting kindness, compassion, and effective communication among students shines through as she discusses the challenges children face in this digital age and the vital role adults must play in creating a supportive environment.
Tender Thoughts
In our darkest moments, we don't need solutions or advice. We simply crave the warmth of human connection. A gentle touch, a silent presence – these are the anchors that ground us when life's storms rage.
Don't try to fix me. Don't carry my burden or chase away my shadows. Instead, be the steady hand I can hold as I navigate my inner landscape. Sit with me in the quiet, bearing witness to my struggle without trying to change it.
My pain is my own to feel, my battles my own to fight. But your presence reminds me I'm not alone in this vast, sometimes terrifying world. It whispers that I'm worthy of love, even in my brokenness.
So when the night seems endless and I lose my way, will you simply be there? Not as a savior, but as a companion. Hold my hand until dawn breaks and I find my strength again.
Your silent support is the greatest gift you can offer. It's the love that helps me remember who I am, even when I've forgotten.
~ written by Etheric Echoes
Mind/Body connections…
This deep relaxation meditation will help you get grounded and release stress, anxiety, and tension from your body! Enjoy the beautiful imagery and soft music. Perfect for after a long day.
Comedy Lift…
I love to share funny cartoons or memes with friends and family. Who doesn’t need to smile? Here’s this week’s Comedy Lift…
Music Moments
Music inspires me in many ways. I have always enjoyed Collin Raye. Here’s one of his greatest hits, Love, Me ...Enjoy!
Quote of the week
Until next week. Please remember…Begin and end each day with a grateful heart…and always, always be kind….