I enjoyed reading this piece so much, Hal. The connections we can make between art, music, and our histories enrich our sensitivities in each arena. Thank you for sharing which are clearly a group of deeply personal memories. Anne
Thanks so much, Anne. I loved having the opportunity to reminisce and write about these special people in my life. And yes to art and music - so precious these days!!!
What I hear is not only a tribute to two profoundly influential men in your life, I hear (although unintentional, for sure) the story of you, Hal.
You know how we humans are (smile), our projections are often loudest when we see the negative in others (too often), but they are also present when we see the good in others - as you have honored the good in your dear grandfather and Pope Francis.
The very atributes you attribute to them, you embody.
I'm reminded of the following classic, and very timely, song lyrics: "What the world needs now is love, sweet love. It's the only thing that there's just too little of."
Thank for absorbing the "goodness" Leo and Francis brought to the world, and passing it on!
Praying I can do the same, Jane
P.S. my maternal grandmother was Marie Eliza. My youngest daughter is Eliza Marie...and Marie repeats itself in my mother, sister, niece, etc. ❤️
Dear Jane, Thank you for this kind comment. It truly brought a tear to my eye. I do aspire to emulate the best qualities of both of them -- but aspirations often fall short. But we need them; I need them. I do believe you do the same!! And how wonderful to hear the story of how Marie and Eliza nave echoed through your generations. Susan's first name was shared by her maternal grandmother and her aunt -- and her middle name was Marie! My best to you, as always!
I appreciated your integration of memories of your grandfather, qualities of Pope Francis, and personal aspirations! Also your desire to know family members more fully as people!
I enjoyed reading this piece so much, Hal. The connections we can make between art, music, and our histories enrich our sensitivities in each arena. Thank you for sharing which are clearly a group of deeply personal memories. Anne
Thanks so much, Anne. I loved having the opportunity to reminisce and write about these special people in my life. And yes to art and music - so precious these days!!!
What I hear is not only a tribute to two profoundly influential men in your life, I hear (although unintentional, for sure) the story of you, Hal.
You know how we humans are (smile), our projections are often loudest when we see the negative in others (too often), but they are also present when we see the good in others - as you have honored the good in your dear grandfather and Pope Francis.
The very atributes you attribute to them, you embody.
I'm reminded of the following classic, and very timely, song lyrics: "What the world needs now is love, sweet love. It's the only thing that there's just too little of."
Thank for absorbing the "goodness" Leo and Francis brought to the world, and passing it on!
Praying I can do the same, Jane
P.S. my maternal grandmother was Marie Eliza. My youngest daughter is Eliza Marie...and Marie repeats itself in my mother, sister, niece, etc. ❤️
Dear Jane, Thank you for this kind comment. It truly brought a tear to my eye. I do aspire to emulate the best qualities of both of them -- but aspirations often fall short. But we need them; I need them. I do believe you do the same!! And how wonderful to hear the story of how Marie and Eliza nave echoed through your generations. Susan's first name was shared by her maternal grandmother and her aunt -- and her middle name was Marie! My best to you, as always!
Thoughtful piece. My son is named for his grandfather, Leo B. Someone I knew, but not for long enough. A kind man with a great sense of humor.
I appreciated your integration of memories of your grandfather, qualities of Pope Francis, and personal aspirations! Also your desire to know family members more fully as people!
Thanks Susan. Much appreciated!
Wonderful piece! I see you as being a man with these qualities you have inherited/embraced.
Thanks so much, Deb. Let's just say that's what I aspire to!!
Beautiful and inspiring. Thank you for crafting these words
Thank you , Chris. I love the many ways you share your life through writing too! Let’s keep writing…