Ripples v7.17: Ripples of REAL MILESTONES!
Monday, April 25, 2005
a FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
PEBBLE
The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost,
to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.
–Eleanor Roosevelt, submitted by Katie P., Minneaspolis MN
BOULDER
Sooner or later we all discover that
the big moments in life are not the advertised ones,
not the birthdays, the graduations,
the weddings, not the great goals achieved.
The real milestones are less prepossessing.
They come to the door of memory unannounced,
stray dogs that amble in,
sniff around a bit and simply never leave.
Our lives are measured by these.
-Murdoc Niccals, submitted by Terry H., Franklin WI
PONDER
It began several days ago over lunch: two of my friends mentioned they were considering a ceremony of some sort to publicly acknowledge their decision to spend their lives together. Despite the lack of a formal announcement, and despite the fact that it would be over a year away if it did happen, I immediately began imagining the great event. I may have overwhelmed them with my gazilion questions (who’s invited, where will it be, what food will be served, which musical selection shall I sing, etc.). After a few days I overwhelmed myself as I realized I was missing the point. Planning some elaborate event could be fun, but the real magic of their relationship lies in the multitude of regular ole everydays that find them happy and loving and caring toward each other.
I feel blessed to be around them often, so it might be smarter to delay my decision about what to wear to some event on the distant horizon and instead savor the many opportunities I have to witness their relationship and enjoy their company.
Congrats to them, and congrats to all of us who find some REAL MILESTONE to cherish this week! In fact, if you have one to share, tell us ALL about it in our online community (if you haven’t created a screen name, you will need to REGISTER it but it only takes a moment and we completely respect your privacy!):
http://theripplesproject.org/forums/viewtopic.php?p=761#761
Peace,
Paul