When something surprised my father (eg the cost of groceries) he would slap his hand to his chest over his heart, stagger back a few steps and say, “Carry me out!”
My brother decided that his 3 year old grandson River should know some of these family expressions and traditions.
Recently River was at day care and did not appreciate having to stand in line for something. His mother- who is a teacher at the same school- observed that he slapped his little chest, staggered backwards a few steps and said, “Carry me out!” Ah, tradition.
We inherit so much from those that go before us both genetically and culturally and what a blessing that can be. To remember with love things that others did before us to take care of others, to assist others, amuse others can inspire us to pass that on to those with whom we connect as well as those who come after us. We can appreciate all that past generations have done to allow us to be who we are today.
I have always liked the song ‘Standing on the Shoulders’ by EarthMama (Joyce Johnson Rouse, 1995)
“I am standing on the shoulders of the ones who came before me
I am honored by their passion for our liberty
I will stand a little taller, I will work a little longer
And my shoulders will be there to hold the ones who follow me.”
Such an opportunity exists for all of us to act in such a way as to be the shoulders for those who follow us. Let us make the most of this opportunity.
-Sister Nancy Sullivan, csj