So, it was my birthday in November, and I recieved a clock as a present from my mother. Specifically, a clock that my Uncle Dan owned. A slightly odd present considering, it was let's call it "lifted" from his house after he died. Dan died in this past July, and we knew he had many antiques in his house. Just in case someone broke into his house, knowing he was deceased, my brother and I removed any obvious valuables: clocks, oil lamps, etc... My mother had asked me if I wanted anything from Dan's, and I told her that I had an oil lamp that I really liked, but there was a dresser that was also very cool. These may be someone's family heirlooms, but I don't know who's since Dan was so fond of going to estate sales and auctions. I just thought they were nice pieces and something to remember Dan by. So, back to the clock, of the 4 we removed from the house, I really liked one of them. It is a very simple gothic arch shape with a dark finish, with a simple face. It chimes on the hours and on the 1/2 hour as well. My mom took it to be reconditioned an put into working order and gave it to me as a present. The inscription said something to the effect of "when you look at this clock, think of Dan and how much he loved you". I think of this and weep, because I realise how much Dan loved all of humanity, including me. He, like this clock seemed pretty plain, without the frills and intricute carvings, but kept time just like the fancier designs of clocks. There weren't a lot of "bells and whistles" with Dan. BUT, he was one of the most giving and loving people I have ever known. You might not have recieved it in words, but definitely in the deeds he preformed. He often attended the many perfomances I was involved in. He was always there to help out when needed. My mom relays stories to me about things people have told her about Dan, and I am always amazed that he found time to do all the things he did for other people. We never knew that he always mowed his elderly neighbors yard, and shovelled snow for another neighbor, never asking for a dime of payment. He always brought something to every carry in or sunday dinner. Usually lots of something, be it dressing, potato salad, homemade pies, or maybe some vegetables from his garden. He volunteered at the American Legion in many capacities, held many positions at church, and was generally the guy who you could turn to for just about anything. If he didn't know the anwer or how to fix it, he knew someone who did. He was just one of those men. One of his greatest loves was for Merom Church camp where he spent many summers directing and co-directing summer camps. He truly was a man whose actions spoke louder than his words. Even when his words often times were used to taunt, they were out of love. I remember he used to make me so mad when he would call me Phillipe and say, "Phillipe that's french for big dummy." Now, it's one of the things I remember fondly. He used to call my brother and I "sawed off and short stuff" or "runt and rat". We never knew which was which, but I guess it really didn't matter. Unfortunately, I remained short, while my brother grew to almost 6 ft. tall. Oh well.
Every time I hear Dan's clock chime, I think of him and hope to emulate the way he helped others in his life. Thanks for the clock Mom. I really think it is one of the best presents I have ever recieved.
So, my posts are random, and have little relation to each other, but I never claimed to be predictable or have a cohesive plan for this blog. I guess it's just a way for me to put some of my ramdom thougths down, so I can go back and look at them in the future. They may give me insight into myself, or they may just seem silly, but that's okay too.
I'm working on looking at life from a different perspective, and so far that's working out great. I'm been looking for the postive, and trying my best to change the negative or at least use it in a postive way, so there's a start. Still not a lot further along in the life purpose category, but I'm working on it. I'm reading a book call "the purpose of your life" so there's a start! Praying and going to church is helping as well. I know I have to remember that even when I don't feel I'm doing anything, there is a purpose to it, whether or not I know what that purpose is. I've been starting to go through my physical inventory of stuff, asking, "does this serve a purpose or will it in the future?" if it doesn't, it's just stuff in my way and has to go. Now if I can do that on an emotional, mental, philosophical level, nothing can stand in my way. Now if I can just find out what that way is and what I'd like to do once I get there, I'd be set. well, it's getting late and I'm rambling more than usual. I'll close for now.
good night internet.
xophilbug
