Past-Present-Future

Posted 8/21/12

Although I’m in no mood to think about a certain ho-ho-holiday looming on the horizon, I have spent the past week or so ruminating on the past, since Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) has already …

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Past-Present-Future

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Although I’m in no mood to think about a certain ho-ho-holiday looming on the horizon, I have spent the past week or so ruminating on the past, since Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) has already come and gone. While I may not have worn a funny hat or used a noisemaker (I make enough noise all year long), I did celebrate in my own way prior to the most solemn day in Judaism—Yom Kippur. Considered the holiest day of the year, its central themes are “atonement and repentance, and Jewish people traditionally observe this day with an approximate 25-hour period of fasting and intensive prayer, often spending most of the day in synagogue services” (www.wikipedia.com).

While I may play fast and loose with a few of the suggested practices, I do take the holiday seriously and reflect on the last year, simultaneously giving serious thought to the future. Meanwhile, the present is keeping me awake, as I prepare (once again) to move. There’s a certain sadness in leaving Green Acres, tinged with excitement about the new place, but I’ve been dragging my feet, making lists and checking them twice. Hopefully, once I’m settled in… the future will look a bit brighter. Meanwhile, I decided to pay attention to the future of others, by attending a few events that give back, praying that I’ll be forgiven for not spending all of my time in Temple.

As the sun was setting last Friday, I decided that praying didn’t sound as inviting as playing, so instead joined in on the fun during Game Night at the Forestburgh Tavern, one of the many new ideas springing to life in producer Franklin Trapp’s (www.forestburghtavern.com) imagination. Hosted by the folks at Thunder 102, the event served as a fundraiser for Sullivan County Walk Now for Autism Speaks, taking place at the Field House at SUNY Sullivan on October 25. Committee member Krista Brink was on hand to say a few words and shared her favorite quote from Ritu Ghatourey, which states, “Every sunset gives us one day less to live, but every sunrise gives us one more day to hope.” Even though Dharma (The Wonder Dog) knew most of the answers during the trivia contest, my team of slackers (you know who you are) managed to drag us down, but the evening was a tremendous success. While having a great time, Brink reminded the crowd of her dedication to the cause, by sharing her personal journey and informing us that “each year the statistics continue to rise, and it becomes even more important to raise funds for this critical research to help future generations.” She concluded by saying that “We can only hope that one day, we will no longer hear the word autism.” For more information on this great cause, go to www.walknowforautismspeaks.org.

Still thoughtful on Saturday, I spent the majority of my time thinking about where I’ve been and where I’m going, hoping to be forgiven by any and all that I might have slighted in the past. Deciding to break my self-imposed fast in grand style, along with a sold-out crowd at yet another fundraiser, I chose to accept the dog’s invitation to “Grown Here: A Farm-to-Table Experience” benefiting the Boys and Girls Clubs of Northern Orange and Sullivan Counties, so we both gussied up a bit and attended the unique dinner, presented by several local farms, chefs and wineries, all of whom were in attendance. The organization’s (www.bgorange.org) executive director Alexis Eggleton welcomed everyone with a few words, before the five-star, four-course meal commenced. “Your presence here tonight,” she said, “enables us to grow great kids. We’re growing future Broadway stars out of kids with no music programs, and future professionals out of children who never dreamed they’d make the honor roll. Thank you all for being here tonight.”

I couldn’t have asked for a better moment to realize that I’ve been fortunate in the past, that my present is not too shabby and that the future holds promise. Being able to participate in these community efforts gives me a sense of purpose, while reminding all of us that there are those less fortunate in need of our support. Being part of the solution is (IMHO) rewarding and my friends, colleagues and neighbors (yes, I mean you) inspire me throughout the year, as life in the Upper Delaware River region unfolds. Before we know it, other holidays will arrive, so I’m going to go outside and make a little hay, while the sun still shines.

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