Before It Is Too Late

“She had blue skin,
And so did he.
He kept it hid
And so did she.
They searched for blue
Their whole life through,
Then passed right by-
And never knew.”

Shel Silverstein

September 25, 1930 – May 8/9, 1999

EVERYTHING ON IT 

Shel Silverstein was a very talented man (poet, singer-songwriter, cartoonist, screenwriter, and author of children's books).  He was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, but spent his later years in Key West, Florida, where he died from a massive heart attack at the age of 68. 

When I first began purchasing children's books, I discovered Shel Silverstein.  Some of his most popular books were :  THE GIVING TREE, WHERE THE SIDEWALK ENDS, THE MISSING PIECE, A LIGHT IN THE ATTIC, and FALLING UP.  I collected most of them during my parenting years, but then ended up passing them along with each child.  Then I started gifting them to grandchildren. 

Each of his stories are timeless observations for children, and the stories are  also endearing to the adult  reader.  He engaged his readers by creating respect for all things.  Shel Silverstein's books have been translated into 30 different languages and over 20 million have been sold. 

Shel Silverstein also played guitar, piano, saxophone, and trombone.  He actually wrote the song, "A Boy Named Sue," that Johnny Cash made quite popular.  He wrote for numerous artists such as:  Loretta Lynn, Irish Rovers, Wayland Jennings, Gordon Lightfoot, The New Christy Minstrels, Marianne Faithful, and Judy Collins.  So his musical talent was deeply explored as well.

One might wonder exactly why I am writing about Shel Silverstein.  To be honest, I have asked my self this  same question.   I have no real knowledge of what his personal life looked like, but I do know that he had a way of writing about  life that was easily impressed upon one's mind, both young and old,  and then remembered for years to come.

Shel Silverstein had many gifts and talents and I admire him for using them to the fullest degree.   He wrote from his personal perceptions hoping people would see life as simply as he did.  He would grasp honesty and truth for basic guidelines.  I admire his versatility and the discipline required of his career.  I marvel at how many lives he touched.  

I wonder how many of us have contacted previous teachers or mentors or role models thanking them for their wisdom.   Maybe there is someone in our past who could really benefit from knowing they are especially remembered.  There may even people currently in our lives we need to recognize just for being who they are.   Sure would be a nice gesture, and believe me, we will be glad we did, before it is too late.

Planting Seeds for Our Children

I will not play tug o' war. 

I'd rather play hug o' war. 

Where everyone hugs instead of tugs,

Where everyone giggles and rolls on the rug,

Where everyone kisses,

and everyone grins,

and everyone cuddles,

and everyone wins.

Shel Silverstein

(1930 ~ 1999)

Shel Silverstein was one of my most favorite authors of children's books.  I purchased all of his books for my children and then for my grandchildren.  My favorite is THE GIVING TREE, but I also enjoyed A LIGHT IN THE ATTIC and FALLING UP, as well as WHERE THE SIDEWALK ENDS. 

Shel Silverstein had the ability to acknowledge challenges in life, while leading the reader through the fear, and finding appreciation for the gifts scattered along the way.  He reflected how I felt about life, but creatively expressed it in a way that captivated a child's attention ... and apparently mine as well.

Too often we hide our fears about money, health, and death from our children leaving them ill-prepared for challenges that life will bring.  They won't see these challenges as a normal aspect of life, making their struggle more complex.  Children need to see how adults face challenges, overcome barriers, and embrace what cannot be changed.  Our children have no place in the midst of any of our dramas, but an awareness of issues help them to understand the tension adults think they are hiding.

As adults, we must plant seeds for our children.  Over the years we nurture these seeds and help them to grow.  When the children evolve into an adult, they can weed their own garden and fertilize the soil to strengthen roots. These adult children will have choice to root out what does not support them, and plant fresh seeds of their own. 

One of my favorite sayings is:  You never stand as tall as when you kneel to help a child.  Be clearly present in the life of a child and you will never be sorry you did!



A Friend Indeed

 

Listening is a magnetic and strange thing, a creative force.  The friends who listen to us are the ones we move toward.  When we are listened to, it creates us, make us unfold and expand.

 

Shel Silverstein

 

 

Attending a spiritual gathering, I found myself racing through the parking lot.  On my way,  I noticed a license plate that I was certain I had seen in my neighborhood.  I walk most every day, taking in the birds, flower beds, trees, homes and license plates on cars.

 

Upon entering the building, I started asking several of my friends about who owned the car with this particular license plate.  As soon as the woman was pointed out to me, I knew we had never met. 

 

After the gathering, I approached this woman and introduced myself.  Our brief exchange was enough to determine that we had an instant connection.  We ended up car pooling a few times, then coffee, and then lunch meetings.  We discovered we had numerous friends in common and quickly became friends.

 

A few years have passed now and this woman easily has become a 'sister of my heart'.  Although she would sometimes say I am the teacher, she needs to remember that the teacher frequently becomes the student.  I have learned about her compassion, resilience, and desire to extend loving kindness to others.  She does not really realize how she is frequently pulled into situations where she becomes an angel in disguise.  She is more than willing to allow Spirit to use her in helping others above and beyond the expected. 

 

Life continues to challenge her, but optimistic she remains.  She is mindful to replenish her spirit so she can continue to generously give to unsuspecting souls.  Opportunities present themselves to her regularly allowing others to share their story as she is a wonderful listener.  She offers compassion without any trace of judgment or expectation in return.

 

Her friendship has been a gift to me and I treasure her presence in my life.  Our special relationship continues to expand and unfold as we lovingly open our hearts and souls.