This week, we as a nation, buried a former leader – the 41st president of the United States, George H.W. Bush.
There isn’t a nation on earth that performs a state funeral better than the U.S.A. Waatching on Wednesday, political party affiliation aside, made me proud to be an American.
Nothing gives me goosebumps more than watching eight military men walking in sync carrying the American flag-draped casket so effortlessly, even keeping it level on steps. The slow and deliberate salute is strong and powerful.
Watching the funerals of President Bush this week and Sen. John McCain a few months ago, there was a theme with both leaders: loyalty, honor, pride, love of country, country first, love of public service, love of family and love of God.
Have we lost all those values for good?
As No. 41 was being eulogized, I thought to myself, I wonder what four former presidents, along with the current president, were thinking?
Unlike Sen. McCain’s funeral, President Bush’s funeral was not lined with political innuendo. No one pointed at past administrations or the current one — well, maybe the hatred comment might have been close.
Wouldn’t it be great if Twitter and all social media shut down for a week? Or the Internet went away for a little while?
Maybe President Bush, 41, had it right by hand writing letters. Writing a letter takes time and effort and thought and it’s all done without spellcheck. Today, we speak at each other and not to each other; we use our fingers and not our mouths.
The power of a handwritten letter is personal. Now that my parents are gone, I can’t part with anything they wrote by hand.
I have personal items from my parents like clothing or jewelry, but there’s something about a handwritten anything from my mom or dad’s hand.
President Bush, 41, not only left a legacy, but he left thousands of handwritten letters that, if you were lucky enough to have one, you would treasure it forever.
I wonder how many times I’ve seen in my life when an elderly couple, married for many years, passes away just a few months apart, or weeks, days and even hours.
The elder Bush had a storied life with his wife Barbara and a marriage that lasted 73 years. Eight months after Mrs. Bush died, her husband followed.
This past year, my good friend Linda Players Naro lost her mom and, a few months later, her dad followed. They were both 85 years old and were married a very long time, as well. Clara Players was the love of Willy’s life and, although his health had declined and suffered over the last few years, a broken heart may have contributed, as well.
Just this past week, I read about Henry and Regina Balakier, 96 and 97 years old, respectively, married for 74 years, passed away within hours of each other. I didn’t know them, but I wish I had.
You can call me a romantic or a sad sap, but that’s the ultimate love story that came to a storybook ending.
Their joint obituary stated, “A fitting end to a beautiful love story. Even death could not keep them apart for long.”
This is true of Henry and Regina and it’s true for Willy and Clara and we know it’s true for President Bush and Barbara.
Happy birthday, Jimmy
I understand a Pittston Area icon, Jimmy Ardoline, celebrated his 70th birthday recently. Jimmy now resides at Wesley Village.
If you followed Pittston Area sports for a few decades going back to the late 60s, early 70s, you’d know Jimmy.
Jimmy was on the sideline for many a game at Pittston Area, serving as the sports manager. Pittston Area returned the favor for Jimmy’s years of service by naming the dugout at the Patriot baseball field in his name.
Four years ago, I covered an event at the former Mount Carmel Church where Jimmy was involved in the church’s Holy Name Society and I spoke about him.
Here’s what I wrote then: “Also in attendance and seated at the head table was Jimmy Ardoline. Jimmy served as honorary chairperson. Many readers know Jimmy as a treasured institution at Pittston Area School District as well as the former Mount Carmel Church.
“For a few decades, Jimmy was the Patriots’ sports manager. He was just as important to sports programs as any key athlete that went through their programs.
“It’s been a few years since I’ve seen Jimmy and I was curious to know his age. ‘I’m 66, Tone,’ Ardoline said. I couldn’t believe that Mr. Pittston Area is 66 years old.”
I walked away that day astonished for two reasons: 1) that Jimmy was 66 years old and 2) he knew who I was. We never met formally and I can’t recall every speaking to him.
Ardoline’s friend Frank Guasto recently mentioned Jimmy noting his upcoming birthday last week on social media. He was asking friends to remember Jimmy on his birthday. That was a great gesture from a great friend and I’m hoping many followed up on that request.
It’s my turn, now. Happy birthday, Jimmy! You are not forgotten, my friend.
Quote of the week
“Grace was in all her steps, Heav’n in her Eye, in every gesture dignity and love.” – John Milton, English poet
Thought of the week
“The absolute good is not a matter of opinion but of nature.” – Cicero, Roman philosopher
Bumper sticker
“The great aim of education is not knowledge, but action.” – Herbert Spencer, British philosopher
