I began this blog out of the
greatest respect of those who have gone before me, and out of a sincere desire
to pass on their memories to my children and theirs. None of us are here through our own design. We simply need to look around to
realize that people lived and died, stayed and traversed, and loved and loathed
for unbeknown reasons, which resulted in us being where we are today.
Many times I have sat under
the stars and gazed at the large sky, all too aware of the many connections of
lives and incidents outside our control that order our world. Yet in this vastness, we are simply and
also profoundly the link which connects the past, to that what is to come. We are in the middle of something
that is fluid with those coming and with those going. We all transitioning. Yet it’s that awareness that makes me want my children to
know and appreciate their heritage.
More than ever I am aware of
the middle and of how fluid it really is.
With sadness I watch my father Walter slip away into absentmindedness
and uncertainty as Alzheimers Disease erodes his identity. At times there are glimpses of him, yet
for the most part it’s memories of a good man who wanted more than his body
would allow.
On the other hand I
celebrate the great joy of becoming a grandfather to Frederick John Best born
just days ago. He is untainted
potential, naïve hope, and unqualified love wrapped up like a burrito belonging
to our son Joshua and his wife April.
He may be tall, he could have red hair, or he might be a fireman … who
knows? There’s just so much to
look forward to and everyone is so happy.
In a few weeks my father and
our patriarch will meet his great grandson for the first time. Likely neither of them will remember
the occasion. Smiling faces and
laughter, and the odd remark of where Frederick gets his good looks will be
enjoyed. However it will be those
of us who are passing through the middle that will connect the Walters and the
Fredericks. It is our job to tell
these stories, and someday it will be Frederick’s.
