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A birthday reflection...

8/25/2020

21 Comments

 
Sometimes birthdays take us back through the years. We remember that which we thought we had forgotten. Today I share a bit about my past when I was much younger...

I confess to being a child of the Sixties. I know what it is like to dream big. I remember innocence, a time when I thought I could change the world. While a college student in San Francisco, I danced to the Grateful Dead in Golden Gate Park and the Doors at the Fillmore West. When my friends left for Vietnam and did not return, I marched with others to end the war. I carried a flower, offered a song, and followed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Then the world turned upside down with three assassinations: President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The streets became angry with lost dreams.

More than fifty years have passed, and we are again facing a pivotal cultural shift. Some march with a cry for racial justice, others riot for unclear ideological ends. Buildings burn, businesses are destroyed, innocents are injured and some die. City streets are violently angry, but I’m not sure why.

When I was in my twenties, I stopped hoping. I had seen too much, felt even more. For years, I ignored Walter Cronkite and David Brinkley, because I didn’t trust what they had to say. As a student of psychology and an eventual counselor, I did a lot of soul searching. There were mountains to climb, rivers to cross and oceans to maneuver. I was not well-equipped to do any of these, but I tried.  

Rather than hopelessness, I feel helplessness these days. Not because of an ill-fated war or racism, rather because I realize that there is nothing I can do to turn the tide on senseless violence. I’m not an elected official. I’m not part of the Police Force or the National Guard. I’m just one of the many who shudders in disbelief at what I see in the streets, one of many who aches for those who have lost their livelihoods, one of the many who cries with the injured and all those who have lost loved ones. Yes, I am one of the quiet many who simply pray for peace.  
More than fifty years have passed since I was in my twenties. I remember the flower I carried and the songs I sang. Now I look at my three sons and daughter and wonder where the time has gone. I'm grateful for each of them. As well, I'm grateful for my beautiful grandchildren.  Together they remind me with their hugs and kisses that someday, yes someday, peace will reign. ♥
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21 Comments
Harmony Kent link
8/26/2020 02:58:55

Lovely birthday remembrance, Gwen. I agree with all of your sentiments. I love the family photo. Sending all good wishes your way :)

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Gwen Plano
8/26/2020 04:22:21

Thank you so much, Harmony. Hope the weather is kind to you today!

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Joan Hall link
8/26/2020 04:21:44

Beautiful family, Gwen.

I'm saddened by the things we see these days but I agree that one day peace will reign.

And happy birthday. This would have been my father's birthday as well.

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Gwen Plano
8/26/2020 06:19:56

Thank you, Joan. I'm in good company with your dad. ♥

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Staci Troilo link
8/26/2020 05:39:33

"Helpless" seems to be the word of the year. Praying for change.

Happy birthday.

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Gwen Plano
8/26/2020 06:20:50

Thank you, Staci. We'll be remember this year for decades I suspect. ♥

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Mae Clair link
8/26/2020 10:51:39

What a beautiful family you have, Gwen!

I like what you said about the "quiet many." Prayer warriors are still warriors :)

I wish you a happy, healthy and peaceful birthday!

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Gwen Plano
8/26/2020 11:44:14

Thank you so much, Mae. Prayer warriors we are! ♥

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D.L. Finn
8/26/2020 11:05:41

Happy birthday, Gwen! What a timely reflection of the past upheaval and our current climate. It is easy to feel hopeless and worry your loved ones stay safe I refuse to become a part of the hate, but I do try to understand.
I love that picture of your family and hope your day is blessed.

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Gwen Plano
8/26/2020 11:46:13

Thank you, dear Denise. I hope you and yours stay healthy and safe as well. I think February will be magical for us. We'll have to fine creative ways to celebrate. ♥

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John Howell link
8/26/2020 11:59:07

Birthdays are the time to reflect. You have had a wonderful life and your beautiful children and grand children speak volumes about your dedication to them. I hope your day is the best.

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Gwen Plano
8/26/2020 14:39:28

Thank you, John. I'm very grateful to be surrounded by love.

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br chitwood link
8/26/2020 14:48:22

Beautiful Family, Gwen...
Odd, perhaps, but I'm busy writing a post, similar in tone to yours, but I'm using the song, "Alfie" - or, "What's It All About, Alfie?"
The chaos which has come with the 'China Virus' has hastened and abetted the 'splinter groups' of anarchists and 'idiots' to invade our cities and wreck havoc... The political parties and their contentious conventions are likely part of the cause/effect... Because I'm into the post already, i will continue...
I'm the 'old guy' on the block who believes there is a 'Swamp of Plenty' stealing our taxpayer monies in their quest for a totalitarian government --- with big contributors aiding their cause. SO, I'm proud to be voting for President Trump in Novemer. Yes, he opens his mouth and inserts his foot at times, but I believe he loves this country and its people...and he knows how to get things done.
I'm also a post-Depression fogey who somehow made it out of the Appalachian Hills...and I became a 'Romantic' and ballad-lover - a la Sinatra. Como, Bennett...
Sorry for the rambling, dear Gwen.
My best to you and your lovely family, AND, A GREAT POST YOU HAVE WRITTEN!!! BR

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Gwen Plano
8/26/2020 19:02:28

Thank you, Billy Ray. It's hard for many of us to understand the violence. The protest against racism, I understand. The riots, no. Somehow we all need to make it to February 2021. That's when I suspect Peace will be restored.

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Vashti Q link
8/26/2020 15:37:15

Happy birthday, Gwen! Loved your beautiful birthday reflection. Great family photo. I enjoyed the song too. <3 xo

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Gwen Plano
8/26/2020 19:03:10

Thank you, dear Vashti. ♥

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Jill Weatherholt link
8/26/2020 15:52:45

Wishing you a peaceful and happy year ahead, Gwen. Prayer is powerful and it does change things.This is what I know. Love the photo off your beautiful family! xo

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Gwen Plano
8/26/2020 19:05:38

Thank you very much, Jill. I so agree with you about prayer. Blessings! ♥

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Jan Sikes
8/26/2020 19:31:30

What a beautiful family, Gwen. You put everything into such an insightful perspective. Looking back over the years, we really start to undesrtand the phrase, "Hindsight is 20/20." Happy, Happy Birthday, sweet lady!

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Gwen Plano
8/27/2020 07:11:30

Thank you so much, Jan. I'm hoping you and yours are all safe. What a horrific storm. Mt heart goes out to everyone within its reach. ♥

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Karen Ingalls link
8/28/2020 05:54:29

Happy Birthday, Gwen. I love to celebrate birthdays for everyone. It is celebrating the day that one has come to earth.
I was pregnant with my first child whenJFK was assainated and I feared that it would be the start of WWIII. I have lived another 50 plus years and despite more tragic times in our nation and world, I have faith that we will come out of the virus, social issues, and economic crisis. The important thing that I pray for is that each individual will learn and become a kinder and more peaceful person.
Your reflections are always informative, inspirational, and beautifully written. So true for this one. Thanks for sharing, Gwen.

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Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way. ―Viktor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning


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