If you saw it, you remember it. If you didn’t, words won’t do it justice. But I’ll try.
Like all legends, it didn’t begin as it ended. There was magic involved along the way.
My pop wasn’t one to be embarrassed about what he drove. If it was practical; if it was reliable; if it accomplished the task – it was fine. Appearance was superficial. If he had the need, and the vehicle filled it, he would drive it.
One of the first vehicles I recall fitting that bill was an old white Opel Kadett Wagon; I’ll guess it was around a ’68. The bottom rust was terrible, and I can still remember watching him as he pop riveted sheet metal into the floorboard in our Virginia driveway. He stuck some green indoor/outdoor carpeting over it. If I remember right, that vehicle was rigged to start with a toggle switch and a push button. I’m guessing he figured he didn’t need to worry about anyone wanting to steal it. It got him back and forth to the base, and its station wagon design allowed him to haul his Little League Baseball gear.
As I lay here in bed on this night, there is a world out there that struggles. It struggles with a lust for money, and power. Its people fight over possessions, sometimes with their own kin. They argue over differences. They seek fame with their fortune. They go to court over their rights and over the position of an imaginary line drawn on the earth.
Countries go to war with one another. They seek advantage over their neighbors, and dominance within their sphere. They use food and medical care as a hedge against their enemies, or in some cases even against their own people. Some are controlled by he who has the most power, or they who have the most wealth. Leaders rise to power, promising hope and delivering helplessness.
Out there, there are those who live their lives in fear. Some fear death. Some fear hunger. Some fear a virus. Some fear those who don’t fear a virus. Some have fear that those who fear the virus will control those who don’t fear the virus. Some just fear everything.
Religion. Race. Politics. Position. Ignorance. Hate. Reason after reason for fighting, arguing, maiming, killing, and destroying.
Beyond this place, there are worries. There are worries about finances and taxes. There are concerns for broken down cars and damaged roofs; heavy hearts which are burdened over rent and mortgage payments. Lives are being damaged by drugs and alcohol. Illness and disease leave people weak and empty. Families are breaking along with hearts. All this beyond these walls.
But for tonight, none of those things matter. As I lay in this twin bed, in a room surrounded by Unicorns, glitter, stuffed animals and small treasures, I can’t help but marvel. A little girl gladly gave up her bed and her room for her Pappy. Another gave up her room for her Meemaw. They sleep on the couch with glee, feeling a happiness in sharing their space, and overwhelming satisfaction in the fact that their offer has been accepted. While most of the world fights to keep what it has, they gain immense joy over sharing what they have. Unselfish love. Couldn’t that world outside use a little more of that?
