What a simple day we had today; this Christmas eve. We had breakfast at home, read the paper, went for a walk at a beautiful park nearby (pictured), and went grocery shopping a Trader Joe's afterward.
It is true that the simplest things are sometimes the things we treasure the most. One of my favorite things to do is taking a walk with my wife. Sometimes we walk in urban settings, like the walk around Lake Merritt (Oakland), or somewhere in San Francisco. We've walked at so many different places, including Paris, Cancun, Boston, New York, and New Orleans (when things were a little better sometime ago). One of the things she does is "research" information about parks or places we've never been to, for when we feel like going for a walk at a new place--which is often.
We have many things in common... Among them is the appreciation of learning new things every day, a certain wanderlust that if it was not checked (by responsibilities), it would have us be two vagabonds, here one day, there tomorrow.
But the thing I most appreciate about my wife is how giving and selfless she is with me, and with her family, and even her co-workers. It's sometimes hard to understand how can somebody be so selfless. I do recognize (and count) that as a true blessing, since I see so many relationships that are based on materialism, status, and pretension.
You see, my wife and I have had ups and downs like anybody else, but one thing that has never changed is her generosity, her compassion, her true love.
And what is even more remarkable is that I'm such a flawed individual. My God! How many stupid mistakes I've made during all these years we've been together. So many headaches I've caused.
But I think the reason we keep plugging along, in good times and bad times, in health and sickness, is because we both know deep down inside that our love for each other is unconditional. I have no doubt that if I were to fall ill and became incapacitated, that she would be there for me, no matter what. And she knows that I would do the same for her.
And we are not materialistic; into showing off, or keeping up with the Joneses. We could be happy in a nice house (when things are good), or in a trailer home (if things were tough) as long as we are together.
One thing I've learned is that in order for two people to be able to share a life together and weather tough times, there has to be a genuine and deep respect for each other, as human beings.
And, of course, is not a matter of "being perfect." It's a matter of understanding each other's humanity and frailty, and good qualities as well as weaknesses, and accepting it all because we know "we are only human," as the saying goes.
So this Christmas, as we all continue our inexorable march towards the future, and as some readers may be doing really well, and some others may be struggling, under a lot of stress, if I were to share any type of advice, it would be that there is something to the adage that "love conquers all."
If you are doing well, then do what you can to address the injustices, and corruption, and greed that threaten to undo the social contract; the promise of our nation (and our world). And do what you can to help the needy, the sick, the infirm, the suffering. Because if you take care to abide by the maxim that says that "justice denied for one is justice denied for all," you will be contributing to a better world; and that is a good thing for you as well.
For those who are struggling, remember that the most important thing in the world is to love and to be loved in return, and if you are lucky enough to be healthy, that's all that matters. Everything else, especially material stuff, is secondary. So if you can, don't let any attachment to material things, or the fear of losing stuff, interfere with your health and with your relationship with those who (truly) love you.
As we (my wife and I) continue our journey in life, it gives me great comfort to know that we are both committed to hold on to the love for each other, no matter what challenges we face. And to know that as long as we are together, it doesn't matter the house we live in, or the car(s) we drive, or the price of the shoes we wear, etc. Because those things are secondary; they will always be secondary, as they should.
So here is to love, and to a better future for all. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, from our family to yours.