when mr. harold moved into my old neighbourhood, he had just retired from a life of work. it was so exciting to see him set up his garden. we delivered slips for him to plant and couldn't wait for him to reap the benefits. he was so thrilled.
shortly after, mr. harold suffered a stroke. we prayed, and watched as he transitioned from hospice right back into his own living room. recently, while on holiday, we visited mr. harold. we sat down and listened as he told us stories in his strong jamaican accent. he laughed and laughed as he told us how his wife, who cannot drive, went to move the van out of the garage to make room for his wheelchair to pass but instead drove right through the living room wall. unable to run to safety, he just sat in his chair and prayed. fortunately, the wall stopped the van and mr. harold lives to see another day. oral tradition is so wonderful.
mr. harold enjoys every day of life he is blessed with in spite of his circumstances. i admire that.
*to celebrate love and life, please consider joining us in the new *gift of jewels* project. entries will remain open until january 30, 2010.
11 comments:
Mr. Harold reminds me of my Grandpa. He went to go grocery shopping and instead of backing through the door of the garage, he went through the other side right into the garden. It was early spring, muddy so he was stuck. All my Grandma could say was Thank goodness she was not driving, or she would have never heard the end of this. They are both gone now, thankyou for reminding me of such a wonderful memory. Have a great day. big Hug.
I'd love to sit down with Mr. Harold and hear his stories. What a delight to have a visit with him.
I loved listening to tales told by my great-grandmother, a great way to learn history. :)
I love your story of Mr. Harold and oral traditions. Yes,it is so important for Mr. Harold and others to also share their stories.
Oh..there's nothing I like more than sitting down over tea with my Nanna and Grandad and hearing their stories...I never tire of them...so many wonderful memories.
I wonder, when we're old and grey, will the young ones delight in the tales of our lives?
~brightest blessings~
Mr. Harold sounds like a gem!! Mrs. Harold should join the demolition derby!! lol!!!
What a lovely man is Mr. Harold! I, too, would love to listen to his stories, wisdom and experiences... and hear about that garden. The connection that happens with story-telling... I like that. :o) Happy Day, dear Se'Lah ((HUGS)) Having trouble with my email this evening, I will email you tomorrow.
Mr. Harold is one of those rare souls that lives in the moment, and passes this gift through storytelling... as are you...
:-)
(((hugs))),
love,
me
Bless his heart. : )
a stunning bloom and a sweet read here as always!
I almost used the photo of that flower! It's amazing! Mr. Harold sounds like a sweet soul that is the sign of strength!
Post a Comment