I was about to write a summary of Hurley Happenings for the past two weeks. After only a few quick moments of reflection I came up with a dozen topics. That many, and probably even more, events or interactions or good moments or unpleasant ones filled our lives in just fourteen days. It’s amazing how looking back brings up various kinds of feelings and thoughts. Now I’m writing about that instead of our events themselves.
So, you say, “For Pete’s sake, where are you going with this Nancy?” Well, wait just a second. I do have a point here. Lately, there’s been quite a bit of reflection going on with me and around me. For instance, our recent adjustment to a home base other than on wheels resulted in revisiting travels of the last eight years. Sharing old memories and writing family history for two family reunions stirred all kinds of thoughts in my mind over the past three months. And now, as a nation we are at a point of deep reflection as we look again at that horrendous day ten years ago on 9-11. Jerry and I remember our experience in Ireland on that day….. unbelievable, shocking, lonely…. while at the same time a tremendously-moving outpouring of sympathy.
Some say we shouldn’t dwell on the past or relive old times. Is it good or bad that we reflect back? Should we as a country be spending so much time thinking about the tragedy of 9-11? What about when we gather with family or friends and tell old stories; are we wasting our time? Should we avoid bringing back the emotions connected with the past? Many think recalling these times serves no purpose.
I guess my opinion is that a limited dose of reflection and reminiscing is good for the soul. Even though there may be a few tears shed. Aren’t there usually some bright moments that come to mind? Occasionally we gain some wisdom from the hard knocks. Discussion with friends can help resolve feelings. Thinking about the bigger picture of experiences Jerry and I have yearly, or over ten years, makes me realize our good fortune. Yeah, not all of our ‘happenings’ are the best. We sure wouldn’t choose to repeat them all in the future. Some are very sad. But many of those scenes that reflect back are generously-colored ones.
The key to the good or bad of our reflections may be in sharing and limiting it. The victims of 9-11 were robbed of the years of opportunities to reminisce. Maybe the best we can do is to give thoughts to them momentarily and respectfully. And then, have a safe and happy day of new experiences for next year’s reflection.
God bless all those who died on Sept. 11, 2001 and their families.
Have a safe and happy day. Thanks for stopping by at HurleyTravels. Talk to you later.
Great post, Nancy.
ReplyDeleteWhen you travel together, you spend a lot of time together. So there is a lot of time for reflection together. Remembering the good, and bad times is important. But in my way of thinking, planning and dreaming about the future is much more important.
This topic brings to mind a couple of "sayings" from our contest:
"More people would learn from their mistakes if they weren’t so busy denying them." but also remember:
"Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once."
So, remember the Fleetwood Mac concert at Catherine Creek. And the planning with Barb and Bill (over vodka) in the garage. AND can I buy some propane?
Love Ya, Jerry, Dee and Jaxon