|
|
|
Tuesday mornings with Ernie
12 May 2010
I have a dear friend, Ernie. We've known each other for over 35 years. Ernie lives in Kissimmee, Florida near Orlando. I live in Charlotte, North Carolina. We speak on the phone every Tuesday morning. Ernie's like an older brother, a mentor, the proverbial "Dutch Uncle" who listens and gives you sage advice. He's smart, clever, has a prodigious memory and writes a weekly email newsletter to family and friends alike.
We met at a company we both worked for in New Jersey in the 1970's. I guess we liked each other right away and even after we both left the company we stayed in touch. Like myself, Ernie's from Jersey and we both share some great memories of our home state.
As I said, Ernie's memory for places, people, and events is no less than amazing. He can tell you exactly where he was, what he was doing and who was with him pretty much from anytime in his past. He's family-oriented and loves to talk about his family's roots in France. Stories of his college days, his Dad working at the old Madison Square Garden in New York and
memorable meals; after all with a French background food is an integral part of his life.
He and I connect on many levels even when we disagree, especially about current political and social issues. That's what good friends are for: you can bounce ideas back and forth between you and no one really minds. The spirited debates we have are so stimulating. I can't imagine not learning something when we discuss our topsy-turvy world.
Ernie's spirit, like his faith, is indomitable. He's not the healthiest of men but his unquenchable spirit carries him (and all around him) forward. He's always trying to help those less fortunate. I know he works with shut-ins and people who aren't well. As I write he's in hospital fighting another bout of pneumonia. He will be home soon. I've been praying and thinking about him constantly.
He's that rare individual who truly believes that all things work out for the best. Stay strong, cherish your beliefs, stand by your family and friends. I have had my own moments of doubt, my own bouts with anxiety and worse. I knew that I could call Ernie and no matter what he was doing he'd listen patiently, not interrupting, and allow me to share my burdens with him. He would occasionally comment and let me know, in the end, that I was not alone. He helped me navigate some rough seas and rainy days. Just talking to someone lightens all our loads sometimes. It's no magic cure but it does feel good. I'm not real comfortable with complicated - Keep It Simple Smart/K.I.S.S. is a good motto—and I can be as simple as possible with Ernie, even though he's one of the smartest people I know.
I think everyone right now could use their own personal "Ernie." Our country is in the midst of multiple problems and daily doses of bad news. Sometimes we think there's no end to the depressing things we hear or read about. But we're a tough breed, used to hearing about "rugged individualism" and the rights of all Americans. True. But we all need each other; we need to comfort each other; we need to listen to each other with respect and dignity. In the final analysis no one's better than anyone else. Fear can make even the bravest of us quiver. If you have a good friend, as I do Ernie, take some time to talk to them one on one (not on Facebook). But mostly, listen to them. You might help them lighten their burdens a bit and while doing it, you'll feel lighter too.
|
© 2009-2010 mjohnson2.com
|
|
