Grandpa and I just returned from New York City and blitzing Broadway musicals. The musical, “Big Fish,” just opened in previews and we saw the second performance of this big Broadway play with its big Broadway message. I predict it will win Tonys—lots of them. This Grandma recommends taking grandchildren to “Pippin” and “Matilda” and sitting as close to the stage as possible (little grandchildren have more ability to sit through a Broadway play sitting up close and do get them the free booster seats in the theatre). Two musicals, “Kinky Boots,” and “Big Fish,” were phenomenal for adults to see. All four, though, had themes which included parent and child relationships, poignant and emotional.
Not to spoil anything for you, as you should see all four musicals if you are able, on Broadway or as they come to your community, it seems Broadway is focused on themes about relationships and family, especially about discovering the value of the family relationship too late, or almost too late, and about things left unsaid to loved ones that should be said. All four musicals brought tears to this Grandma’s eyes, and brought the idea for this day’s missive.
We all live our lives daily, go about our routines, and do not have in the forefront thoughts about those important to us and important to our lives. It seems that when we are waiting for a loved one to die, we have all the time in the world to then think about those important to us and important to our lives. I guess one must be of long years and have waited for loved ones to die to understand.
Sometimes we have enough time to finally tell our loved one how much they mean to us. Sometimes we don’t. Sometimes we just let Hallmark speak for us in our birthday, anniversary, and Mother’s Day and Father’s Day cards. When a dear aunt was diagnosed with terminal cancer, I wrote her a letter about memories of good times and how much she meant to me. My uncle said she read it every day until she died. When my mother was dying, I was able to tell her in person about the strength she had and how much I appreciated that she had also made me strong to withstand life’s adversities. A best friend suddenly died of a heart attack before I could tell him how much I cherished our long friendship. My father died in a coma before I could tell him in person how much I appreciated him and loved him. I was told that hearing is the last to go. Maybe he did hear me . . . .
This Grandma suggests more. Please consider telling those you love them how much they mean to you in your own words. Write a personal letter about happy times and happy memories and enclose it with the Hallmark card. Make a small photo album or scrapbook with captioned pictures that spark good and loving memories. Tell them how they have touched your life and brought it fullness and what you have learned by having the loved one in your life. These will be cherished by those you love. Don’t wait until. . . .
And go to Broadway this season to see the musicals above. Then, you surely will have the motivation to act before it is too late.
Joy,
Mema
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