Barbara J. Hamby

Nostalgia

As I sit at my computer, I’m hearing a Lawrence Welk Thanksgiving show. Haven’t seen any of his shows for a long time. As I listen, I’m recalling this afternoon spent in Vancouver, where I lived for twenty years. I’ve been away from there about six years now and don’t get over to visit very often. I attended a memorial service at the Unitarian Fellowship where I was formerly a member.

It was bittersweet to see at least a dozen people I knew well. Some are aging better than others. The lady for whom the service was held was very close to my age. We were born in the same year. I was very surprised to learn of her death because she was such an active person—a real activist and educator.

A woman I didn’t know remarked to me, as we looked at the huge display of photos, that it’s a shame we don’t honor people in such a way while they’re alive. That’s the kind of idea today’s honoree might have picked up and run with. Maybe someone else will. At my age, I don’t have the energy for a project like that any more.