I don’t know why we think some of things we do. I know I am aging and that the rest of mylife is going to be shorter than the past of my life. But, when someone I know dies (I do hate the politically correct term “passes”), it strikes me- sometimes hard. Those feelings also get amplified at various times of the year. Right now, I am over-stressed with the tax season, client concerns for new products and processes to take advantage of the change in the marketplace, clients’ divorces (financial and business considerations), and one of the biggest holidays of my year (not necessarily in religious fervor, but in the preparations thereto… it’s where the concept of Spring cleaning arose- but that is chicken feed, when compared to the regulations and stipulations of this holiday). The good news is that my children and grandson, my ersatz family (I chose my own relatives ◊ ), and friends will all be joining the Seder. But, I digress.
Yesterday, around 10 AM, Sidney Harman died. He wasn’t a friend (I’m sorry to say). But, I did know him and spoke to him on and off over a two year period when the two of us leased space in the Evening Star building on Pennsylvania Avenue in DC. (I was the one who came and went, not him.) He was a most approachable, friendly guy. And, to be honest, when I first met him, I didn’t know who he was. He never bothered to tell me. After a time, I deduced it.
if you want to learn more about him- check out
http://www.newsweek.com or
https://www.latimes.com/la-me-sidney-harman-pictures-photogallery.html
But, he was like many other people that come into our lives. We meet them, haveconversations, debate certain issues- but we never really appreciate the little tidbits they share and help illuminate our lives—- until they no longer do. They move, we move, they die, whatever happens as life progresses.
With holidays approaching, with the change in seasons, or just because… Today, take the time to tell these folks, “Thank you” for sharing in your life. You may never get the chance again.
I will thank you for letting me share my thoughts with you. And, share one of my signature lines (I have about 20 of them) to help you reach out…
Make the most of the moments you share,
With the folks about whom you most care….
Roy, you have written a very sensitive and touching tribute to Mr. Harman. You are so correct when you advise us to thank people and let them know what they mean to us. There is always something to be thankful for.
Janette Fuller recently posted..Texas Drought
Thanks for your thoughts, Janette. You are another person who has become an interesting penpal. (I know, the term is dated, but I have not yet found a better one.).
Thanks for sharing!
Roy
Hi Roy,
Great post and really quite apt as I found out about 1 hour ago that my Nan’s brother in law just died. He had been ill for years after having a debilitating, and lived in the UK with my Nan’s sister. I lived with them for a while when I was backpacking, and actually only ever knew him as the man who had been effected by the stroke. And even though he could not talk, move much, had to wear a bib to eat mushed up food etc, he was a special man who always had a sparkle in his eyes, and even a year after leaving them to come home, he would still set the table for me. On visiting them earlier last year, he still knew who I was and had that same sparkle in his eye and gripped my hand in his so strongly.
Ah – I think I am using your blog post to ‘take time’ and let out my good ole emotions. Strangely I am not sad. I am relieved that the shell of his body has finally released him. I am just now worried about the wonderful woman left behind, as she hasn’t known anything else for years…I wish I could be there for her.
Sorry for your loss, Janine. Each person that touches us makes us better folks. That’s the lesson to be learned.
Let your “red” shine on!
Roy
Roy, Thanks to you for sharing this.
Being grateful out loud is something I think we all to often forget and even more often cannot recognize the impact when we do. A message that is always right on time. I’d also like to say that I am thankful to have ‘met’ you in our tlcclub. I’ve learned quite a bit from your posts and comments and appreciate you for showing up in a real way.
Bonnie
The concept of being silently grateful is grating to me. (Boy, I do love puns.) It’s so easy for us to notify othrs when we feel berated, belittled, and/or ignored. And, then blithely go our way when that person we know- or barely know- makes us feel just that little thing.
Take the time.
Thanks for the comments, Bonnie.
And it is not always strangers or casual that we don’t appreciate. Family often seems to fall into this category too. We see some people not as others see them but through the filters of our relationship. From what I have read about Sidney Harman, he touched many lives in many different ways. You knew one side of him. How fortunate for you. The world is richer because of both of you.
Yup. We all have many people who make our day. From the first person we see to the last one before our eyes close… Take the time.
Thanks for the comments, Roberta.
Roy
Thanks to you, Roy. I appreciate you.
Leanne Chesser recently posted..Benefits of Blog Communities
Leanne- the sentiments are returned, as well. Thansk for your comment- and your post today (benefits of blog communities).
Roy:
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and touching us. Many people come into our lives whether personally, professionally, family, friends via the media (blogging, TV, papers, etc…) and all other channels. They touch our lives by imparting an imprint. Do we acknowledge and remember them? Sometimes we are so self absorbed that we do not notice others around us or the messages that they share until they are no longer in our lives (moving, death, etc…). Thank them for the interaction and being a part of your life for that brief moment that transcends throughout a lifetime. So happy, I got to visit your blog. Happy Holidays and God Bless.
Jane 🙂
Jane recently posted..How to Download Kindle eBooks without a Kindle
Thank you, Jane, for your added insight. I am glad you left a comment- and read my blog.
Have a wonderful holiday season, as well.
Roy
My mom always says everyone who you have known in your life will always impact you someway (good or bad) and complain all you can, you will realize what you missed when they are gone. I really didn’t listen to her but I lost a friend a few months back and though I wasn’t very close to her, she left us all something to remember her by… just that she meant it for us when we all were leaving country. The point is we always miss someone when they are gone… we should reflect on what a good time we spent with them. And if you didn’t say a nice word to them, go ahead, don’t repeat that mistake.
I have always enjoyed all the intelligent things you have to say. I am so glad I met you through TLC.
Hajra recently posted..Fun Friday Pictures!
Great story to amplify the point, Hajra. Thanks for sharing it and helping the point get across.
Roy
What a heartfelt reminder, Roy. I’m all for saying “Thank You” all year round “just because.” And it just goes to show that we should appreciate every person that passes through our lives, even if just for moments. I appreciate every person that exchanges words with me and that looks my way and smiles.
Thank YOU, Roy, for connecting with me and for sharing so much of your knowledge with me through your blog. =)
Samantha Bangayan recently posted..A Chance Meeting with Sand Angels
Thank you for your comments,Samantha. And, for taking the time to read my blog.
Roy
This is a really heart-warming post because you first started out saying that he was not a friend but you did know him, yet as an acquaintance he definitely had an impact on your life to the extent that you were able to honor him with a tribute.
It’s so easy to get caught up in the day to day activities that we fail to let those around us and those we come in contact with know how much we appreciate them. Sometimes we assume that they know but it’s not enough. People want and need to be told that we appreciate them.
Thank you for these excellent reminders.
Yvonne A Jones recently posted..Creating Your Own Information Product – Deciding on Your Format
We seem to forget that we can learn from many situations- and gain experience by watching and learning. Thanks for your amplifications, Yvonne.
Roy