People come and go throughout our lives, but it’s to the ones who leave their mark and create solid foundations that we may wish to pause and say thanks. Certainly, for my three sisters and I, we are filled with gratitude to have had a mother and father who lovingly laid the groundwork for a “just-do-your-best” mentality. Not everyone is so fortunate.
Likewise, there are hundreds upon hundreds of people we encounter, who help foster freedom for growth, and allow us to sort through and learn from past experiences and inspire optimism to chase our future dreams.
They appear like those clouds you see in your backyard. The ones where the faces move slowly into view providing comfort for a time and then having played their part — move on like the people we meet.
I often think back to my parents and their lifelong friends; they went to war, came home and raised their families buoyed by strong, lasting friendships. It was their grit and determination during that period of post-World War II that carried them through the many struggles and successes life would offer-pull back-and-hand them again.
Sadly, the last member of my parent’s circle of friends passed away. She was 97 years old. A petite, tough-minded Italian woman with a velvety touch for baking. You always knew Rosita was in the kitchen or out on the patio because her laugh would pull you in.
At the funeral, her last remaining son’s voice cracked as he spoke fondly of his mother — no doubt remembering that he had just lost both his wife to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and older brother unexpectedly a few months earlier.
Why so somber on such a joyful holiday season, you ask? I could be these recent events reminded me of how fragile life is and to make sure we enjoy each day as it comes.
Or, maybe it’s because I had a birthday that takes me to the last year of my seventh decade. I remember as kids saying, “Man, that guy looks old.” Turns out, he was probably only in his 30s. Or maybe too, it might be that I see the first year of my 80th decade peeking just around the corner.
But, I do know this; I am sincerely grateful and thankful for the countless people who have guided me along the way. My wonderful family and friends that I share memories with and who make me laugh and keep me in check whenever self-doubt or uncertainty interrupts.
And, to my colleagues who were always nearby with ideas, support and encouragement — allowing careers to flourish and friendships to blossom.
I’m also thankful for those chance meetings with people; people you thought would never cross your path or have anything in common. Like the octogenarian I met a few years ago walking the dog along our favorite trail. Turns out, he was a former college English professor at Muhlenberg and is a renowned local poet who roots for the same team as I do. We talk about sports, politics and everything in between— we never run out of things to say. Go Celtics.
And yes, people come and go throughout our lives, but it’s the one who stayed and never left that matters most. Who I somehow impressed with the classic, not-so-clever line, “Don’t I know you from somewhere?” Amazingly, those words led to a 42-year marriage and still counting, with the person nearest my heart — my wife Lori.
Together we raised two wonderful kids through all the ups, downs and all-arounds they gave to us, and in kind — we gave back to them. We survived, they did too. Now we enjoy two teenage grandchildren and their supportive, devoted mom, dad and uncle.
For me, I truly wish for all people; that they are able to be a part of a caring and loving family or whoever they call their own. And, to not be afraid to love, laugh, cry, or mourn. Because it’s the people, always the people, who are continuously building the sturdy foundations we all stand on; like our parents, siblings, spouses, friends, colleagues and those chance meetings that last a lifetime. Happy Thanksgiving.
John Schmoyer is a retired U.S. history/American government teacher and department chair at Northwestern Lehigh School District.
