Rosary and visitation yesterday for a college buddy. The physical end to life is always difficult. It does, however, allow reflection - and like any mirror with a person in front of it, there is beauty.
Good friends who attended also gathered after, at, perhaps the best Italian restaurant in Kansas City. Late 60, 70-somethings, who, at one point in our lives, could actually run, hop,jump, and go to work, willingly.
As we relived stories, forgot names, remembered names, times... one of the seven of us sitting around the table - looked East... offered, "Look at the old people in that room." 'It's a mirror isn't it," the dude with his back to the East offered... "can you see my bald spot?" Yes, it was actually a three foot wide, wall to wall mirror. And, yes, we could see the bald spot, and, like much of life's worry, it wasn't near as big or as frightening as believed.
There were also smiles in the reflection. Same as in watching the beauty in the line at the church. A wonderful family... and at the end of the line - our buddy's best buddy since forever. True class of the family for he to be there. Rome wasn't built in a day. The friendship of our two buddies has been remarkable. The old folks sitting around the table devouring spaghetti, lasagna, fettuccine and such - yes, perhaps withered a tad like the Colosseum - yet strong in bond and still going - not as long at the Colosseum (build started in 70-72 AD...) point being - built, strengthened, solidified, over time...
Carpe diem. Victor? This where you preach? I don't think I need to. Life sends us 'notifications', 'popups', alarms (a last glance in the mirror at night before falling into the hay.. plopping the choppers into Polident.. "please scroll to your year of birth"... plopping into bed.. the 'talking like a pirate' moans, groans, getting outta bed).. we know who we is, how old we is.. we get it. That moment. May be our last. Seize the day.
Vini Vidi Vici. I have come. I have seen, I have conquered. Just remind me why the hell I came into this room.
All roads lead to Rome. I am 'today old' to learn this refers to the Rome being built in the center of the empire, with every road attached to it. The same outcome can be reached by many different methods or ideas.
The wonder of life, The strength of the Colosseum. So many various methods, ways to get there. That one developed software, IT made him many friends over the years. He sold cars. Referrals, repeat business lent to ballgames, dinners out, fun outings. She taught school, retired a bit ago - but, those flames of love still burn, witness the monthly retirement luncheons. Catered planes, deacons in the church, geologist, nurse, doctor, city employee, carpet, tile person, forklift driver, chef for folks with a fork. Bonds, all.
A few played softball too many damn years, sometimes causing too many dayum marriages. Folks got into scouting. Dance with their kids. Book clubs, learned an instrument, sang in the choir, used their wheels to handout meals, went twice a week to volunteer at the charitable thrift store. Along the way, friendships developed, helped keep them afloat - much like the gondolas of Venice. Uplifting, beautiful.
When in Rome.... Yes, I heard about that one grandma, the one that cut and pasted Billy Graham articles over the vertical Budweiser bottles on the St. Louis Cardinal calendar that hung in the living room - well, she mighta had 'just a glass' of vino. We're at the carnival, funnel cake, cotton candy, "lets!" "Nobody puts ketchup on a hot dog!" Watch me!
Fiddle while Rome burns. Is it just me or, does anyone else have a heapin' helpin' of avoidance behavior? Tomorrow, I'll do it tomorrow. I know I should say something but I won't. Seize the moment. Nope, maybe tomorrow.
Live, love, laugh. That from Rome Victor? Nope, checkenginelight1. Oh, thanks. What happened to plain ole checkenginelight? I forgot the password. Oh. Vini, vidi....sumpin.
Some no likey humor. I get it. Well, I don't, but, I guess I have to. I vote, make going to the gas pump with a buddy fun... Sing.. or make fun of his/her signing. No likey roll call? Think up good answers. "Aye aye Teach!" "Zabadoo!"
Well I've never been to Spain...... but I kinda like the music. Well I've never been to England, but I kinda like the Beatles... Well I've never been to heaven, but I've been to Oklahoma...
I'll never make it to Rome, and I'm good with that. Much, appeals, offers a glimpse of life. I think of old... long lasting.. proud.. strong.. ceremonial... beautiful...
I moved the cursor down but I'm really not sure what to write. (I bet that idiot thinksa something, don't you?) HEY!
OK. I think I'm in love with life. YES, I argue, slip, fall, have my moments, beat myself up, cry, have one more beer occasionally than the two I shoulda stuck with.. but I love it. Truly.
I hope you do too.
Within life is the sorrow of loss. All the more reason to seize the day while we can.
Love, Victurd
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