Temperance

I always look forward to reading a column in our
little weekly newspaper entitled, "What would Mom
say." I enjoy it for a number of reasons, but
primarily I think it's because I have such fond
memories of the columnist's father. He would stop
in our insurance office every single day, either
on his way to the bank or on his way back. I always
enjoyed his stories about life and his family. Years
later, when his wife started writing a column, I kept
thinking.....where has she been all these years? Nancy
had a real gift with the written word. I had gone to
church with them for years, but I saw a side of her
through that column that I didn't know existed. She
could make you laugh and cry in the same column -
she certainly had a gift. The last two weeks, facebook
has been mentioned in the column. I couldn't help
but be amused. I understood exactly what Allison was
writing about. My son's girlfriend signed me up to
look at some pictures and I kept protesting;
thought I was too old. I probably am, but I am
really enjoying keeping in touch with people I hadn't
heard from in years. That leads me to my thoughts about
temperance today.

Last night I was looking at pictures of the most
beautiful baby I have ever seen in my life. He is
the new grandchild of someone who had just added
me as a "friend" on facebook yesterday. As I looked
at the pictures of this darling baby, it dawned on
me how I needed some restraint and temperance in
my political rants. The grandfather of this baby
is one of the nicest people in the world. He also
is probably the most dedicated Republican in Crittenden
County. I remember telling him one time when I was
in his office and looking at pictures on his walls,
that he was a democrat at heart. He laughed and
told me someone else in town said that exact same
thing to him.

I also attended a memorial service today. I sat
next to one of my sister-in-laws. She is such a
sweet person. I love her more than I could begin
to convey. I looked around the room and thought
about how lucky and blessed I was to have married into
this family. They have enriched my life so much.
And guess what... some of them are Republicans!!
That's when I had to do some soul-searching. It's
easy for me to be judgmental and questioning
when it's a Rush Limbaugh type character. However,
when it's my school teacher friend or daughter of a
friend or family member; I don't see them as
republicans or democrats. I need to remember this.
I might not understand our philosophical differences or
beliefs, but I certainly see them for all their beautiful
characteristics and deeds. Isn't this country great?
We are free to believe as we choose.

Now, if I only had the gift of writing a profound or funny
column like Nancy.....................