As I live life, talk with friends, watch movies, or live theater, I come across words that in some way touch my life. That touch may only be for a second or two, but the results can be extraordinary.
Last night, I was humbled. People came down after the show to express their gratitude for our acting. My little performance received high praise from many people. As I said, I was humbled. This is a role, as late early this week, I did not feel was my best effort. I am very glad it pleased the audience. Those short “thank yous” meant a lot to me.
Over the course of my life, I’ve been fascinated with words and our ability to communicate many things with those words and how we say them. Written communication can never compete with the vocal/visual combination, but they do have some effect on the way I view things. If they didn’t, I don’t think I would be writing a blog.
Being able to communicate well is helpful in most situations. There are times that I wish my skills in this area were better, but I will take what I have. Of course I want to share the words that have touched my life in some way or another.
Around in the winter of 1983 and 1984 I started hearing the words “Hi Daddy” from a precocious 2 year old. Those two words changed my life. In her eyes, I was daddy from the time those words were uttered. According to the State, it took until 1985. I was able to hear those words from 3 other lovely young ladies over the past years too. Sometimes I wonder what I did to be able to hear those words with the love that is evident every time they say them.
Of course, other words from my family have also deeply touched me. Words like: “Father of the Bride”, “Husband and Wife”, “I love you.” There have been sad words too. “I’m sorry we couldn’t do more.”, “We need to go to the hospital (or emergency room).”, “We don’t know.”, “It was a heart attack.”, “It was cancer.”
And with my family there were also many movie quotes that are used in our daily lives. Here are a few that I think are special.
This is my family. I found it, all on my own. Is little, and broken, but still good. Yeah, still good.
I always have a wonderful time, wherever I am, whomever I’m with.
No matter what happens tomorrow, or the rest of my life, I’m happy now because I love you.
Years ago my mother used to say to me, she’d say, “In this world, Elwood, you must be” – she always called me Elwood – “In this world, Elwood, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant.” Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. You may quote me.
I’ll give you a winter prediction: It’s gonna be cold, it’s gonna be grey, and it’s gonna last you for the rest of your life.
I know. You know I know. I know you know I know. We know Henry knows. And Henry knows we know it. We’re a knowledgeable family.
Words and how they are said make a difference. That is one reason I am careful with the words that come from my mouth, pen or keyboard.
Nice post – a thinking post, I like that. A few months ago, the importance of words was the sermon topic at church. We were all given bracelets that said ‘mind your mouth’ on them, and they served as good reminders that sometimes words can mean more to others than you might intend.
“Of course he has a knife. We all have knives. It’s 1183 and we’re barbarians!”
@draclet – now that one I recognized. Couldn’t place the others, but I got a good laugh about the ‘barbarians’ line from the play “Lion in Winter” – thanks for the reminder!
I didn’t see you of course, but congratulations on what sounds like an excellent performance. And thanks for using your careful words to form your blog posts. 🙂