On and On...

The computer calls and it is time to sit and try to put some coherent ideas on this virtual paper. I remember years ago when all we had were the flickering little, non adjustable green or white letters on a gray screen… Now we can create wonders in different colors, shapes and formats… To the younger generation, this is common every day stuff… to me it is a fantastic little toy, with never ending possibilities.

Several reading friends as well as others with whom the only communion has been these postings, have commented on yesterday’s entry. In a couple of instances, what they read may be responsible for a better understanding of a loved one's circumstances, and professional help will be looked for. If this is the case, what was truly difficult, but lovingly put on display, will serve to perhaps bring someone else a needed respite and a possible new life. I pray it is so.

In the process of living such a checkered life as mine has been (and I do not say this in a negative way, just accepting the reality that it has been so because of circumstances), many good people have crossed my path. Two in particular, my grandfather and my stepfather, led an alcohol free life. The first due to choice, and to a history of being a lifetime diabetic. The second because by being a doctor in a country town, he knew he could be called to perform one of many procedures at any given time. Were they role models for me? I guess so, for this would not be written otherwise; my memories of them are this clear.

There is also the memory of my uncle, a bright, educated man with a very good position both in Cuba and later in exile. He took up social drinking at an early age and at some point this was elevated to a much higher level. His system was eventually so metamorphosed by alcohol that later in life, all he would need to become totally drunk were a couple of sips of liquor. Somewhere else in these rambling postings, there was an entry about “Pata” the stevedore who was totally addicted to the hardest liquor our factory produced. He was not an educated, wealthy or overly bright individual, just one of the guys who did a lot of physical work down at the pier to earn their wages.

Were any of the above people any better or any worse than the others? Or than any one else for that matter? I don’t think so; the point being that there is no one who is totally free of the possibility of becoming an alcohol or drug addict. There are some studies which now tell us that genetics may be a possible influence but, by itself, it is not enough to trigger a lifetime of addiction. The sad and unrelenting truth is that nor money, education or upbringing, or lack thereof, will totally shield someone from this reality.

It wasn‘t my intent to go into this topic with this post; yet, as you know by now, once the words start coming on it is difficult to stop them. But today we shall switch gears and go in another direction… if the muses allow it…

A couple of days ago I had the chance to go into YouTube and watch some old bits from the Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show. Actually, I posted an entry on Facebook; one of Carson’s better skits about politicians and their concept of truth. It applies today as it did when it first aired in 1980 or so; and it is just as funny. If you are over the age of 50, I am sure that you more than once went to, as he used to put it, sleep watching Carson between your toes. I know I did. At the end of a long work day this became a one hour respite that, by making me laugh, gave me renewed spirits with which to fall asleep.

There are many who call themselves comedians today; if they were to lose the use of swear words and insults, nothing much would then come out of their mouths. I  wonder what it is that makes them so popular... perhaps people who assiduously watch and laugh at these routines, do so in order to vent their frustrations at a world which, in their estimation, will not allow them to rise above their present situations. I can personally think of a few forgotten ways to rise above… work, perseverance, study, dedication, planning… even marrying the bosses’ daughter… But these seem to have now become vices instead of virtues. Go figure!!

The following is an abbreviated and liberal translation of the lyrics of a tango called “Cambalache” which … well, read on:

“The 20^th century is a mess

It’s the same in 510 or 2000

There are thieves and losers,

Happy folks and bitter ones;

We all live in this mess and

In the same mud we are molded;

Today is the same if you work like a mule

Or live to steal from others…

It’s the same if you are true

Or if you are a traitor,

Everything is the same,

Nothing is better;

Whether you heal or kill,

Live within or without the law…

If you don’t cry you get nothing

And if you don’t steal you are a fool…

Anyone can be a gentleman;

Anyone can be a fraud…

Yes, I know… it is a bit overboard in dramatics… after all, it is a Tango… but?? Do the lyrics apply or not? And the funny or, perhaps sad, thing is that this classic piece was written just about 100 years ago… As it tells us… people and issues do not seem to change much over the years.

Well, ‘nuff for now… Tomorrow will probably bring on a postcard from years past… these seem to be a "safe" topic...  

Pray for your friends and for those who need a little help in their fight against illness…  I promise you the lines are always open and every bit counts!!

Be Well… Be back!!