The vehicle: Ancestry.com
The initiator: My second cousin Jack
The recipient: Me
The outcome: When we realized we lived only four hours from each other, we arranged for an overnight visit.
Jack and I literally spent 12 hours talking non-stop from 2pm until 2am.
Jack, like me, is VERY verbal.
I learned about his marriages and children (multiple).
I learned about his career in public education (extensive).
I learned about his talents (many and varied, including professional dancer and chef extraordinaire).
I learned about his favorite saying: OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS ONLY IF YOU KEEP DRAGGING YOUR DOOR WITH YOU.
And, of course, I learned even more when we shared articles which had left a vivid impression on us. Below is one Jack saved in his computer many years ago:
WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN’T LOOKING
(Written by a former child)
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you make my favorite cake for me and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I heard you say a prayer, and I knew there is a God I could always talk to and I learned to trust in God.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don’t.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn’t feel good and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw tears come from your eyes and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it’s all right to cry.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw that you cared and I wanted to be everything that I could be.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I learned most of life’s lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I looked at you and wanted to say, “Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn’t looking.”
The former child’s identity is unknown. Too bad. That person struck a real and lasting chord.
And thanks to cousin Jack and his lovely friend Nelly for taking the time to visit and engage.
Keep Preserving Your Bloom,