Topp's Travels 2012 May - Memorial Day Thoughts

[Jason Topp]

I played two golf courses of interest this month: (1) North Oaks which was one of Stanley Thompson’s final designs and (2) the Jewel – a Hale Irwin design in Lake City, Minnesota.  

On this Memorial Day, however, my thoughts are elsewhere.  For those located in other countries, the primary focus of the holiday is to honor those that have passed away serving our country.  The sacrifices of those individuals and their families deserves to be honored and will be honored with gusto by our country.

Tom Brokaw honored those that were of the age that served in World War II in the United States by labeling them the Greatest Generation.  That generation fought the largest war in the history of the world and as a result developed the economic powerhouse that our country became in its wake.

This past year I lost a member of the Greatest Generation who was not a war hero and did not make much of a contribution to the economic might that followed.   My Grandmother spent her life in small town Iowa.   She was a farm wife with a garden and chickens who raised children, was a tough competitor at table games and a deeply religious.
 
My Grandmother was not the easiest person to be around as an adult.  She was shy, judgmental, and rather abrupt.  She was a conservative Christian woman who fervently believed in a literal interpretation of the bible.  People such as my grandmother are not necessarily easy to honor for adults who have felt the sting of her slights or discomfort about her judgments.

Despite these limitations, my Grandmother set an example to which we can all aspire.  My Grandmother was most comfortable with children.  In my many visits, she always had a small child with her.  Sometimes it was a family member.  Just as often it was a grubby child living in difficult circumstances.  My Grandmother was incredibly skilled at taking such children and giving them her attention, her love and guidance.  She could make a visit to the store to purchase the most mundane item a special experience.  She could keep the most unruly kid quiet in a long church service using the weapons of special attention and a half stick of gum.  She could make a walk to the garden an adventure in discovery and education.  It is difficult to imagine the number of lives she touched through a lifetime of making children feel special and loved.

This Memorial Day, I think of my Grandmother.  She lived a full life largely within the confines of a twenty-mile radius.  She left a legacy that sets a high bar for those of us that follow.  I miss her and hope I can live up to her example in some way.

[Ronald Montesano]

As my grandmother, nearly a decade gone now, aged, she became that sort of detached, I don't belong type. I had a devil of a time explaining to our son and daughters that this grumpy, judgmental curmudgeon was once a loving, caring, open, embracing sort. I look at old pictures of her now, from my adult perspective, and she looked like a pain in the arse, even as a youth. But for me and my brother, our maternal grandparents' home was a sought-after place of rest. Life was good at home, but going over there for a sleep-over meant so much that was different. If we are fortunate enough to have grandchildren, I hope that we provide for them that same type of respite.

Here's to your grandmother, JT. She's smiling down on her grandson, whether she agrees with all that you say, do or write or not.

Happy Memorial Day and thank you.

[Ben Kodadek]

Jason,

As always, very well said. 

[Dan Kelly]

This Memorial Day, I think of my Grandmother.  She lived a full life largely within the confines of a twenty-mile radius.  She left a legacy that sets a high bar for those of us that follow.  I miss her and hope I can live up to her example in some way.

Jason,

I have no doubt at all that you already do, and will continue to do so.

Thanks for taking the time to write this, and to post it here.

Dan

[PCCraig]

Well said Jason, thanks for posting.