Roy’s Sunday Letter for September 29, 2024
As you know, Hurricane Helene created a devastating expanse of heavy rain, high wind, storm surges, and tornadoes. This is an all too familiar weather pattern, I believe Helene calls us to pay attention to the resilience and hope that will emerge out of this weather tragedy. Mankind and all of its wisdom still has not been successful in harnessing the power of weather. As we watch the news of millions without power, water, food, communications and electricity. There will be months of restoration ahead. Heroes and new leaders will emerge in rural and urban areas. It seems that speaking of hope, resilience, and a belief in the regaining of our tomorrows to come is what we do…. together.
- A partial line in my current fiction read: “even then she saw hope in their eyes and felt acceptance in their hearts.”
** I have been surprised by recent responses to individuals receiving my handwritten, stamp and envelope slow mail notes. I do so because this is what I do, no other reason. In general, friends, new or old, are surprised and delighted. One younger, digitally minded receiver sent me a handwritten slow mail note. Now, if we each had easier to read cursive that would also be good. Smiles.
- Dane Maggie Smith, 89, died this week. Her characters, story lines, plays, movies, and series raised me and have been a fulfilling part of my life, raising me up, teaching me for all my age. Grateful.
“” 10,000 books were removed from US public schools during the last school year. So, what books will our youth read, study, and have their minds and spirits stretched this school year? A concerning question.
- We have all heard the phrase “It takes a village.” Today’s “villages” are national as well as international. A SL question: Who makes up your village? Young people? Grandparents? Grandchildren? Friends from college or first jobs? Neighbors or those with whom you work, volunteer, or worship? I have a friend whose village includes Ellie, her adopted African Elephant (worldwildlife.org). In what ways have you leaned on or sought support from your village? More importantly, do all those in your village know they are just that, your village. I think, I will let mine know.
Roy, surrounded by my village of Sunday Letter readers
My village represents years of different relationships. Each of us has to make an effort to maintain our village. Texts, letters, cards and phone calls keep the lines of communication open. Is there someone in your village you have neglected, now is the time to make that right. Thank you Roy for the gentle reminder.
Roy, ain’t santa fe you definitely were part of my main local village
Unfortunately miles came Between us and now you’re part of my suburban village. There is a sadness as I write that
Yes, our SF lunches are the sweet part of memory….& I am grateful.
And yet, our pull of home town of FW, and your pull of home town Chcago has created calendar and map separation.
BUT, in the digital age we can do something about all that.
Cell calls, old style Skype, and new ways I don’t even know….but will find our.
Lets reconnect in new ways dear forever friend…..Roy
Honored to be a newer member of your valued village
we learn,laugh, and share a bit of worry together, as life is meant to be……Roy
The earth rotates as it revolves around the sun. Sometimes people who moved out of your village reappear – now an older person. Recognized by facial features yet new wrinkles. Shared stories from long ago merge with people in the new community you have formed. People who once lived in towns you occupied a long time ago, others who are totally new. Each offers a new perspective. One may be Latino, or Asian, or African, or Anglo, but all similar in the pains of aging, and the loss of dear friends and family. The village supports for a specific time then drift off to be support for another person or community. When you are at church, and someone of great faith approaches you after the worship time and asks, “Can you pray for me this morning?” you realize that sometime you are the shaman, and other times just an observer, or the one in need of the village.
Thanks to Hilary R. Clinton for reminding us all “It takes a village”.
I am silent as I read your wisdom words.
No one of us walk the path alone.
You words remind me this truth.
We walk side by side, Harry too. Humbly, Roy
Hugs to you and sweet Beth!
good afternoon Roy.. thanks for the letter.
I’ve had numerous folks tell me how deeply touched they are to receive a hand written note. hand addressed envelope with a stamp!! imagine the caveman nature of such communique .. I write to many,, with few responses.. mostly folks will text back and acknowledge receipt…. and thank me for the note.. I often wonder how many actually consider answering in kind…….
keep on writing Roy.. full credit for key tap or pencil to paper either…
md
Perhaps a word for today is Intentional.
We do what we do with a sense of zest and purpose…..& enjoyment.
RB
Roy, last year I started writing on blank recycled paper cards. I even dreamed of making my own paper. I was so pleased with this activity. Then my sabbatical ended and I slid back into the hussle. This letter, comments, and the note you left me have renewed my “want to” for writing letters. Now to turn “want to” into “got to.”
By sending forth this note you already have.
Good for you
For me, always having stamps and envelope is like always having a print book nearby
Look forward to next R. Pope ….perhaps a safe rock in the fast moving, rushing river.