The Ripple Effect
I'm grateful to be ever rocked by my mother's words
Happy Beginning of Meteorological Fall.
Last week, when it was still August and fully summer, I had a topic in mind for this post. But then something changed.
It’s strange how the turning of a calendar page can usher in a whole new feeling. September 1st always catches me off-guard. It might be because we can no longer deny that summer must come to its inevitable end.
Also, it’s the anniversary of my mother’s death. This still surprises me after 19 years.
I wanted to commemorate the day and her part in “Stories of Vietnam,” but I just recently wrote about the value of her letters.
So, I sat quietly pondering what topic to choose. Should I write, perhaps, about how the Vietnam War only increased my parents’ reliance on alcohol, how my father’s death in 1992 set the once-vibrant woman adrift, and how she too died much too young, also at the age of 68?
These sobering topics did not appeal on this cool fall day with cicadas merrily serenading me as the light wind sets fading leaves a’rippling.
I began scrolling through photo files, hoping for inspiration—perhaps a picture of her smiling? I came upon a thumbnail that I didn’t recognize and clicked on it to see what it was.
I couldn’t help but laugh and rock back in my seat. I’m not keen on ascribing mystical meaning to every earthly happenstance—though I do like to entertain it from time to time—but this really did feel like the work of my mother’s invisible hand.
After all, she really did love the idea that we all affect each other and that making a big difference only takes the smallest gesture.
I saw her on many occasions put an index finger softly on someone’s arm and say, “It takes just a light touch to show you care.”
And she also loved a good joke, “anything ridiculous.” So it suddenly seemed quite obvious to me. I should share something today that would make people laugh. Something that would make them weep tears of laughter in a world that often calls for tears of grief.
So here on this bittersweet anniversary—it is sad that she has passed away but it is sweet that the ripples of her love and mirth continue on—here are two “memos” I found among her many papers. I hope they will bring you as much laughter as they did me.
If they do, why not share them with someone . . . My mom’ll love knowing that the ripples continue to spread.
The Bumper Sticker
Communication about Halley’s Comet
The Bumper Sticker
The other day I went into Mary's Room. That is a religious bookstore, and I saw this bumper sticker that says, "Honk if you love Jesus." I bought it and put it on the back bumper of my car — and I'm really glad that I did. What an uplifting experience followed.
I was stopped at the light at a busy intersection, just lost in thought about the Lord, and I didn't notice that the light had changed. That bumper sticker really worked — I found a lot of people who love Jesus!
Why, the guy behind me started to honk like crazy. He must really love the Lord because pretty soon he leaned out his window and yelled, "Go, for God's sake go," as loud as he could. It was like a football game with him shouting.
Everyone else started honking too, so I leaned out my window and waved and smiled to all those loving people. There must have been a guy from Florida back there because I could hear him yelling something about a sunny beach and saw him waving in a funny way with only one finger stuck up in the air.
I asked my granddaughter and her friend in the back seat what that meant. They kind of squirmed, looked at each other, giggled, and told me that it was the Hawaiian good luck sign. So, I leaned out the window and gave him the good luck sign back!
Several cars behind, a very nice young man stepped out of his car. He must have been a Catholic as he was yelling, "Holy Mother of God." Maybe he was Hawaiian too. He must really love the Lord.
A couple of people were so caught up in the joy of the moment that they got out of their cars and were walking toward me. I bet they wanted to pray, but just then I noticed that the light had changed and I stepped on the gas.
And a good thing that I did, because I was the only driver to get across the intersection. I looked back at them standing there, and I leaned way out the window, gave them a big smile, and held up the Hawaiian good luck sign as I drove away.
Praise the Lord for such wonderful folks!!!
COMMUNICATION
Director's Staff Meeting
"Tomorrow afternoon at about 1500 hours, Halley's Comet will be visible in this area; an event which occurs once every seventy-five years. Employees who wish to witness this phenomenon should assemble on the quadrangle in front of Headquarters and a representative of the Deputy Directory for Science & Technology (DDS&T) will explain it to them. In case of rain, we will not be able to see anything, of course. In that instance, interested personnel may see films of it in the auditorium."
Directorate Staff Meeting
"By order of the Director, tomorrow at 1500 hours Halley's Comet will appear above the quadrangle in front of Headquarters If it rains, employees should assemble in the auditorium where the rare phenomenon will take place, something which occurs only once in 75 years. DDS&T will film it."
Office Staff Meeting
"The DDS&T has arranged for the phenomenal Halley's Comet to appear in the Auditorium at 1500 hours tomorrow. In case of rain on the quadrangle, the Director will speak to all employees, something which occurs once every 75 years.
Division Staff Meeting
"Tomorrow at 1500 hours the Director will appear in the auditorium with Halley's comet, something which happens every 75 years. If it rains, the Deputy Chief Inspector (DCI) will order the comet onto the quadrangle in front of Headquarters."
Branch Meeting
"When it rains tomorrow at 1500 hours, the phenomenal 75-year-old Dr. Halley, accompanied by the DCR, will drive his comet around the quadrangle in front of the auditorium.
Rumor Mill
"Some guy named Halley, who parks his old comet in front of Headquarters, is going to be named the new Director tomorrow at a 3 o'clock meeting in the auditorium. I think he's got some connection with the DDS&T."
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
WASHINGTON (AP) INFORMED SOURCES IN THE INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY REPORTED TODAY THAT A SHAKE-UP OF TOP CIA LEADERSHIP IS PLANNED BY THE WHITE HOUSE. A LEADING SCIENTIST IS EXPECTED TO BE NAMED!
Your mom was a brilliant writer. You are taking up her pen.