The World of Grandpa Don

What is important?

1. I received word that my high speed DSL internet connection company was going bankrupt and no one could replace them. 

2. I went to visit Carol in the rehab center and ended up spending a few hours taking her home.

3. My big screen TV broke down.

Not too long ago I would have been ranting and raving. My blood pressure would have been visible in the veins of my neck. But, ... I am calm. I am not upset or angry. 

Anne would always worry about my reaction to this sort of thing. Now she is gone and I have become aware of what is important in life. 

1. The DSL problem is a minor inconvenience which will be solved. 

2. There was nothing more important for me to do but to wait until the wheels of the institution slowly turned and then, when she was released, take Carol home.

3. The 10 year old TV can be replaced. 

It took me 70 years and a death to really teach me what is important in life. It certainly is not THINGS. It is not the inconveniences in life. It is PEOPLE and the things we can do to help them because people can not be replaced.  

It is correct to say that no one is indispensable, if we say it in the context of a job or function that they perform. However, no thing or no one can replace a personality, the soul of a person. There is NOTHING more important than treating people with kindness, respect, ... and love.

9/3/01