December 18, 2009
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2009 Reflections
Mom handed me a box of compact discs this morning saying she saw no point in storing them as she never listened to them. She has her two or three favorites, which she plays rarely, and the rest were ones from Uncle Ted's collection. It came as a surprise to me that she would cast them off so dispassionately as I remembered walking in on her unexpectedly several months ago, to find her weeping as she listened to one of them. Maybe that's why she wanted to dispose of them; she's never been one to wallow in sentimentality.
It's been almost a year now since Uncle Ted died and the jagged hole left in our lives has started to mend. I can pull the trailer he built out of the shed to go get groceries, without a pang of sadness clouding my trip.
I can even visit his old place happily, knowing that his friend Tom, who bought it, cherishes his memory as much as we do. But music is a special window on the heart and when I heard this song from his collection I was hit with a visual image so vivid it could have been only hours old. Uncle Ted loved music and in his last days it was his only pleasure when he was confined to his bed.
So here I sit, pondering the ephemeral nature of life which I suppose is fitting as 2009 draws to a close.
It hasn't been a great year for many people who were unprepared for the collapse of the economy and in that respect I'm fortunate. Though I've been unemployed for almost two years, I'm still enjoying the freedom. Sure, a trip to Europe would be great, but a trip to Utah is pretty nice too. There are probably people in Europe who would choose Utah over Paris any day (one or two mountain bike nuts like me). Health insurance would be convenient for peace of mind, but again, I've been lucky so far so, no worries, mate.
2009 was a great year for my "nephew" and his wife who had their first baby this year and bought their first house. The foundering real estate market made home ownership possible for them.
Even though I hear about people in dire straights, I can't help but wonder if times of hardship don't bring families closer together. Is it all bad if families are forced to live together? Are all the nice clothes, sleek cars, beautiful houses filled with picture perfect decorator furniture necessary for contentment?
Meaningful work is definitely essential for happiness but one doesn't need a job to find meaningful work. I've found ample rewards in volunteer work at the senior center and the Veterans' History Project. Gardening may not be as exciting as a high powered executive position but let me tell you how my heart swells with pride when I harvest a head of broccoli that takes two hands to carry to the kitchen. My harvest doesn't come close to paying minimum wage but if you have ever tasted produce this fresh, you know it's priceless.
When it comes down to the bottom line, 2009 was a darn good year in this household.
Comments (16)
Blessed be. Thank you for this quiet moment of sharing and gracious appreciation of what is important to you. A gentle reminder of what is really important to all of us. Hugs. Thank you, Judy.
@queenie - You're one of the people who have really felt the pinch and you've managed to keep your optimism and sense of humor. I infer from you that poverty isn't the worst thing in the world. The worst thing is estrangement from the ones you love. I hope your daughter has relented.
The song is very moving in itself and also by the way you got it
I like you wise sights on the year Judy.
love
Michel
She didn't cast them off; she gave them to you.
I would take Utah over Europe everyday of the week and twice on Sunday.We had an old farm couple that we used to spend some time with; they always talked about how people stopped being neighbors when as a society we aquired more money and started building our little private castles, and of course TV
@ElevenStones - That makes me feel better about being poor.
Sometimes I wonder if I go overboard on being happy with what I have instead of striving for something I think I want. Am I weak and lazy or content? Are we simple minded for enjoying the endless opportunities of the outdoors?
Speaking of little castles, people here like to wall themselves in. I suppose it has to do with too many people crammed into too small a space but it certainly discourages any kind of neighborly interaction. Nothing says "stay away" like a pit bull behind a concrete block wall.
Success and wealth aren't measured by what you accumulate but the quality of life that you live. Just as it appeared to the world that Tiger Woods was living the perfect life, it now is apparent his wealth and fame didn't bring contentment. Too bad he didn't apply trying to be the best, to his personal life.
@zarnicki - It's hard for us mortals to fathom that Tiger could have wanted more when it appeared he already had it all. I guess maybe he isn't a god afterall. Darn, I hate it when I discover my idols have feet of clay. Thank goodness Lance Armstrong is perfect!
Other than the fact he was able to hide his performance enhancing drugs better than anyone else, his image isn't tarnished.
@zarnicki - You're such a cynic
. Too bad Floyd Landis wasn't that sharp.
My my, me thinks I struck a nerve.....
Thought-provoking. Yes, I agree that 2009 hasn't been such a bad year. As I wrote my Christmas card notes, I thought that every adult in our family is happily employed, we all have shelter, everyone is healthy. Who can ask for more than that? Maybe, you just haven't looked for the right job in the right place. There is one waiting out there with your name on it. I wish you health and happiness in 2010...and who knows maybe a paying job.
I love your attitude and great way of expressing it. Reading your posts always brings a smile to my face. Thank you and Mele Kalikimaka!
@AprilsPlace - Honestly, I haven't given my all to the job search. I'm truly enjoying this hiatus, but thanks for your kind thoughts. It has indeed, been a great year.
@konaart808 - Thank you. I didn't know you were still dropping in. It looks like I'll be in your neighborhood, loosely speaking, in March. My cousin has invited me to join her on Kaua'i for a week. Too bad her place isn't on the big island. How's that for a beggar being choosey?
@zarnicki - You could be right. I think Floyd was set up and Lance was falsly accused. There I go with the rose colored glasses again.
Thank-you for sharing Uncle Ted's music. It is lovely; and now you got me sitting here sniffling. Heidi and Matthew will be in late Saturday night. She's looking for someone to go skiing with her. I told her maybe you would go.
You're right, that is one beauty of a head of broccoli.
Love the songs. I agree that ultimately, how much happiness you achieved during the year should be the true measurement of how well the year went.
@Gringottsbank - After reflecting on my thoughts I realized how arrogant it sounded. I've never been forced into dependence on my family so I have no idea how miserable that would be. It might not bring us closer together emotionally; it might make us want to kill each other
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@babs430 - I have another head ready to pick and I should share it with you because, from the moment it's picked, it loses flavor and tenderness. The head shown above took a week to eat and by the last day it tasted just like the stuff one buys at the supermarket.
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