Just Try To

No, I’m definitely not a hoarder.

However, I do treasure some of my vintage clothing, especially black dresses.

And email’s from Joan (my beloved friend from the first day I stepped into school,) are treasured.

Some of my favorite cookie recipes remain the ones I baked with Diane, my favorite daughter, when she was in grade school.

And yes, I listen to Frankie, and Rosie, and Vic while still allowing Botti, Galway and Kenny G to visit.

So, yes, perhaps to some degree I cling to yesterday.

I was married to one man for 57 years, and I lived in the house where we celebrated Christmas for 53 Decembers.

Is that why I am not exactly thrilled about some of the changes in our country that are suggested?

I don’t see the advantage of renaming any town Chef Boyardee.

Nor will I be thrilled about renaming another city Flavorland.

I see absolutely no connection between past injustices and causing confusion to road maps, citizens and travelers. I admit that is possibly because I have a dreadful sense of direction.

Nor can I comprehend how destroying the beauty of our country by rage that crumbles statues will ever justify any real or imagined cause.

I honestly must admit I have never seen the value or justification of destruction in any form or shape.

Change is inevitable, and often good.

I learned that after relinquishing a home I loved and relocating with a certain degree of fear.

Renewal is vital for growth.

I admit that when I gather old garments and toss them into the nearest

recycle bin.

Loss is difficult, but an accepted reality.

I discovered that the hard way after saying goodbye to the man I loved.

So perhaps I am naive or stubborn or overly optimistic, but I refuse to acknowledge destruction is healthy or vital or corrects anything.

And that includes human relationships.

Please let’s not relinquish the world we knew and loved but simply try to make it better.