Remembering "a date which will live in infamy"

Seventy years ago on this day, more than 2,400 American men were killed and over 1,200 wounded in the surprise attack  on Pearl Harbor.  We've all read the history of that day that propelled us into the midst of the great World War, but the number of men who are still alive is fast dwindling.  According the the World War II museum website, the VA estimates that the WWII vets are dying at a rate of 740 a day. That's astounding to me.

On my drive in to work today, I was listening to a story about the gathering of vets at Pearl Harbor to commemorate the 70th anniversary.  I started to think about my grandfather who died this year and how, even though he told us many stories, I wish I had asked him more.  I wish I had written them down.  I wish I had recorded them on tape before his stroke. 

I've been writing about an oral history project for one of my graduate classes and listening to the interview has reminded me of the value that our older generation brings to our society.  I've always loved "old people", probably because I had the good fortune of having close relationships with all 4 of my grandparents until they began to die in my early 30's.  I wish I had them now as I grow older to recount their history and experiences .  They were all 40 before and I think their insights would make my road less rocky.  It's too bad we don't often fully realize when we're in our 20's the value older generations bring to us.

The interview I've studied is with a prominent woman from our region who did great things in her lifetime.   Fortunately, her story was recorded many times through various oral history projects before she died at age 93.  Our region is richer because we have her personal narratives archived for future generations to use to learn about life here in decades past.  I thought about the Pearl Harbor vets this morning and that most of them have to be around 90 years old.  Soon, they will die and take it all with them.  I know our country has done a good job of documenting the memories and remembering the sacrifices, but the real, live men will be gone soon. I think that's a travesty. 

Opportunity

Let's try this blogging thing again...almost 24 months later!

“We are confronted with insurmountable opportunities.”  This was a quote the other day on my iGoogle page.  How do I handle opportunities that come my way, but involve a great deal of effort (usually emotional) on my part to take advantage of them? I can’t truthfully say that I always put forth 110% to do what I need to do to make the most of good fortune, but I can say that I try to practice it everyday.

It’s been about eight weeks since I was forced to stop running because of a back injury that I ignored for oh, nine months or so.  Chronic pain in my left glute and hamstring with every step was something I learned to deal with, although it drained nearly all of the joy out of my daily runs, but it was the eventual numbness in my left heel while just standing or sitting that got my attention.  Reluctantly, I dropped out of the marathon that I was scheduled to run next Saturday and committed to a regimen of physical therapy, the weekly swipe of my credit card, and a promise not to run or bike. I was even able to drag myself onto the dreaded elliptical in a desperate effort to keep some of my fitness. Physically, I’m doing better, although there is still work to be done on some areas of referred pain from my back.

But mentally…I’ve missed my runs.  Running does bring me peace, above all else.  It’s a chance to be alone with my thoughts; away from Facebook and the hectic life I lead.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m a firm believer that idle hands are the devil’s workshop and I cram as much into my long waking hours as possible.  I even thrive on it.  But running gives me the chance to think about those opportunities that are laid out before me and work out the things in my head that cause me to furrow my brow during the day.   I’ve gotten along just fine in the last few weeks of being a “good girl” as my PT says, but there’s been something missing.  As someone who hates to sit still, I’ve realized that my time of reflection during my runs makes me feel more settled. When I’m more at peace on the inside, I look at the world differently—I judge less and notice things around me.  I have time to emerge from my own thoughts and pay attention to other people, the color of the sky, or the speed limit.

It’s in these moments that I find opportunity and have the energy to face them with enthusiasm:  The opportunity to learn something from someone. The opportunity to make a connection with another person.  The opportunity to stop and notice how beautiful the moon is when it’s low on the horizon. The opportunity to slow down, wrap my arms around my kids and tell them that I love them.  Each new day, and every moment really, is an opportunity to get it right.