The old man pleads age, health, failing grey cells and other distractions that led to disinclination as the cause of his abbreviated snail mail card list this year. He and the old lady, the light of his life, have for many years observed the Christmas tradition mainly by sending cards and notes to those who are important to us. This year we started late as usual, responded to the few already received and left the rest to the old man as they came to him.
It is now Christmas Eve. It strikes me that this medium might catch the attention of a few that I missed on my list, some we will still send private notes to, as well as others who were on my list, and everyone else who may happen upon The Old Man's Post. Perhaps you would allow me to add a special note or two:
- To a thoughtful church couple from the past: Thank you for again remembering us with your Christmas Reflections, which we received just yesterday. Please know that we share with you the "momentous dimension" of your personal sorrow. A brief but more private response is on the way.
- To the old man's activist niece, Linda: But we can print your "virtual card", feel it and display it--if we had a mantel. As for your "Christmas Memory" of Peter, I think we might have received his 1957 silk-screened card in Regina and if we did Shirley still has it squirreled away somewhere. I cannot believe the Patience and skill involved. He wasn't doing that process when he often "baby-sat" this somewhat self-centred and pompous 21 year-old wannabe college kid in his home studio, patiently explaining and demonstrating his detailed preparation while he went about his work, listening to me, listening to the old 78's and sometimes humming along. We are especially grateful this year for your thoughtful Christmas Greetings!
- To the old man's Pennsylvania cousin who still lives in Bethlehem: Thanks for sharing your age seven Christmas 1952, Ron. Before you consider the need to atone for your failure to share with them your family Christmas time of warmth, wonder and joy with less fortunate pals of the day you should ask yourself this. Where are they now? Your opportunity to be a childhood hero to your friends is gone, cousin. Besides, no matter their family situations then, they very likely rose above the dysfunctional families and lack of resources and did very well. At the same time, I look at what was your mother's situation at her age seven in 1922, just 30 years earlier. Her family may not have been dysfunctional that year but it had no resources at all to speak of. They spent that Christmas in a European refugee camp on their flight from oppression. She did fine in spite of, or because of that and created that family warmth for you in those next 30 years. I won't bore you with my own age 7 Christmas 1934 not far from where I sit right now. ..... Thanks for your greetings, Ron! By the time you complete your contemplated move in 2012, Shirley and I will complete 85 years of our lives and 62 years of marriage. We are still hoping for better health to come. We are, however, already into Shakespeare's sixth age having shifted this year into "the lean and slipper'd pantaloon". (From "As You Like It", the "All the world's a stage" speech). May you enjoy all your "interesting times" to come and never slip into "sedate deportment".
Unfortunately, that exhausts the old man's stamina this Christmas Eve, though I hope to copy this special issue of the Post" directly to others who know by now they missed his list. To each may I say:
May your Christmas be bright,
May it bring your heart's delight,
May next year be full of light
and each day end just right!
- 30 -
