I absolutely love obituaries. They are tiny biographies of people who indeed done magnificent things, even if it was teaching their kids how to fish. And whenever people interact with each other ... at the store or in a hobby club ... they are making impacts that change people's days or lives. Indeed, cheers ... big voluptuous cheers for the cold and timid souls. (And I wish people would include their cause of death in obituaries. I know ... people want to protect their privacy or the reputations of their loved ones, but that information might just save someone else's life.) Thank you for this article, Mary. I'm glad I found your Substack. Hope you'll take a peek at mine.
True story…I was to provide my sister’s eulogy and because she was a force of nature had planned to use this Teddy Roosevelt quote. But something went awry when our large family assembled in the church pews and I found myself without my notes. They had simply vanished! I couldn’t use the quote because I did not know it by memory. But I gave the best heartfelt speech of my life. I’m convinced that my sister made all of this happen. After the service we discovered that my large man of a nephew had been sitting on my notes the whole time! Thank you for offering a new perspective of why perhaps my sister may have “disapproved” of my quote choice!
Thanks for the perspective shift! Too much striving in our culture, and not enough enjoyment. My goal is to savor the hell out of the next "however many" years!
Love!!!!
I absolutely love obituaries. They are tiny biographies of people who indeed done magnificent things, even if it was teaching their kids how to fish. And whenever people interact with each other ... at the store or in a hobby club ... they are making impacts that change people's days or lives. Indeed, cheers ... big voluptuous cheers for the cold and timid souls. (And I wish people would include their cause of death in obituaries. I know ... people want to protect their privacy or the reputations of their loved ones, but that information might just save someone else's life.) Thank you for this article, Mary. I'm glad I found your Substack. Hope you'll take a peek at mine.
Big voluptuous cheers! Glad to connect.
Love your rethinking this quote. I will sit in the quote and your newer perspective today. Much gratitude for discovering your wonderful account
True story…I was to provide my sister’s eulogy and because she was a force of nature had planned to use this Teddy Roosevelt quote. But something went awry when our large family assembled in the church pews and I found myself without my notes. They had simply vanished! I couldn’t use the quote because I did not know it by memory. But I gave the best heartfelt speech of my life. I’m convinced that my sister made all of this happen. After the service we discovered that my large man of a nephew had been sitting on my notes the whole time! Thank you for offering a new perspective of why perhaps my sister may have “disapproved” of my quote choice!
Thanks for the perspective shift! Too much striving in our culture, and not enough enjoyment. My goal is to savor the hell out of the next "however many" years!
That's a bullseye. :)
I think almost all of us need this lesson repeated until it sticks, I know I do. Your writing brings me such pleasure—thank you Mary!
Aw shucks :)
I’ve been so enamored w your posts from Insta (& TikTok). It’s wonderful to have you at Substack. Welcome! 🦋🪦
glad you’re here!
I so enjoy your writing Mary. Your reels never disappoint! Thank you for all you share.
glad you’re here!
YAY! it takes a lifetime sometimes to gain perspective and wisdom. You made it already, Mary!
Whew! :)