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Thursday, April 9, 2009

Keepers

OUR PARENTS

I grew up with practical parents who had been frightened by the Great Depression. A mother, God love her, who washed aluminum foil after she cooked in it, then reused it. She was the original recycle queen, before they had a Name for it.... A father who was happier getting old shoes fixed than buying new ones.

Their marriage was good, their dreams focused. Their best friends lived barely a wave away. It was the time for fixing things; a curtain rod, the kitchen radio, screen door, oven door, the hem in a dress. Things we keep.

It was a way of life, and sometimes it made me crazy. All that repairing, eating, reusing, I wanted just once to be wasteful. Waste meant affluence. Throwing things away meant you knew there'd always be more.

But then my mother died, and on that clear summer 's night, in the warmth of the hospital room, I was struck with the pain of learning that maybe 'keeping' wasn't to be scorned because sometimes there isn't any more.

Sometimes, what we care about most gets all used up and goes away....never to return. So... while we have it.... it's best we love it... And care for it.... And fix it when it's broken...... And heal it when it's sick.

This is true.... For marriage.... And old cars..... And children with bad report cards..... And dogs and cats with bad hips .... And aging parents.... And grandparents....And friends ....We keep them because they are worth it, because we are worth it. Some things we keep.

There are just some things that make life important, like people we know who are special... And so, keep them close!

Good friends are like stars.... You don't always see them, but you know they are always there.

Keep them close.

2 comments:

M.S. said...

I like this.... A LOT!

Katie Dotson said...

SO true!!! And Anna... you are one of those good friends/adopted sisters that is worth keeping around. We have both been broken and it's great that we are being healed and fixed day by day. I was remembering when Sal used to live with you. I loved to go over to Cedar and stay with my big sis and her cool friend. And I began to feel like we were friends. I have always had so much fun and loved you. I miss ya Anna Banana! We need to get together. and thanks for all the possitive out looks. Your words have really helped me get through this crazy unwanted chapter in my life. Thanks!