Not My Pearls Today

I’ve been sitting at my computer, trying to come up with a topic to blog about all day. The snow has come and gone. The streets and sidewalks are getting cleared and still I sit, staring at a blank screen. I have to admit that my mind is really not focused on imparting any “pearls of wisdom” today. A dear friend of our family has made his final journey home and this has brought back many memories of when my own father passed away. And though it has been MANY years since my dad died, the wounds don’t need to be scratched very hard to make them bleed freely again. While it’s true that moving back to Northfield has been like a continuous trip down Memory Lane, the passing of people who I will always associate with the town sobers me quicker than the bitter North wind.

What did I forget to ask them? What did they forget to tell me? Many people from my youth are gone and with them the opportunity to tap their memories. I don’t know how my folks met them or why our families were friends. So I will say this again, take some time to LISTEN to the memories of those who will not be around much longer. And though I have no pearls for you today, I will leave you with Grandma’s Pearls of Wisdom by Becky Netherland—

Grandma’s Pearls of Wisdom

To My Granddaughter... 

I’ve traveled paths you’ve yet to walk                                
Learned lessons old and new 
And now this wisdom of my life 
I’m blessed to share with you 
Let kindness spread like sunshine 
Embrace those who are sad 
Respect their dignity, give them joy 
And leave them feeling glad 
Forgive those who might hurt you 
And though you have your pride 
Listen closely to their viewpoint 
Try to see the other side 
Walk softly when you’re angry 
Try not to take offense 
Invoke your sense of humor 
Laughter’s power is immense!

Express what you are feeling 
Your beliefs you should uphold 
Don’t shy away from what is right 
Be courageous and be bold 
Keep hope right in your pocket 
It will guide you day by day 
Take it out when it is needed 
When it’s near, you’ll find a way 
Remember friends and family 
Of which you are a precious part 
Love deeply and love truly 
Give freely from your heart 
The world is far from perfect 
There’s conflict and there’s strife 
But you still can make a difference 
By how you live your life 
And so I’m very blessed to know 
The wonders you will do 
Because you are my granddaughter 
And I believe in you 

Wonderful words to live by and to pass on!

Jane Murakami

Golden Years Planning

(507) 403-3875

Www.goldenyearsinfo.com