As I opened my emails today, I found an inspiring message from a dear Friend living in Colorado.
Permit me to give a “bit” of background.
Several years ago, as I was accepting Artists to display their Creations at our regional cancer center just after its opening, I received a request from LARRY, who was, then, in the final stages of his second career as a veterinarian in the Western portion of our Nation. Responding to his request, I indicated by telephoning him, that he must send me several images of the work he wished me to consider for display.
After MUCH more than a hour spent in delightful conversation, Larry agreed to email me several images of his creations. Moreover, in the course of our conversation, he also indicated that his Life as a physician of animals was soon coming to a “close”…AND, that his current position was merely one of SEVERAL which he followed throughout the course of his Lifetime.
To say that we “hit-it-off” would be a HUGE understatement!
Soon after our lengthy initial conversation, Larry’s images arrived. I was literally astounded! The photos he sent were primarily images of natural settings: waterfalls, woodland trails, mountain venues, etc. They were incredibly captivating. Naturally, I contacted him immediately, and indicated how WONDERFUL it would be to display his photographic Creations throughout the new health-related facility. The patients, family members, friends, and staff would not only thoroughly enjoy viewing his Artwork, but his photos would produce exactly the effect which I had proposed…to reduce stress.
SO…it was done! BUT…our relationship did NOT end there.
NOT HARDLY
Larry and I continued to correspond over the succeeding 10-plus years through various media sources: telephone, email, hardcopy letters, and, of course, eventually via Facebook.
From time to time,, to my utmost delight, Larry would send to me various emails containing VERY entertaining messages, cartoons, concepts, and videos.
BUT…today, I received the BEST one he EVER sent…and, the most poignant.
TIME OF REMEMBRANCE
In 1970, the actor, JOHN WAYNE, hosted a variety show celebrating America’s history.
This classic show, from 50 years ago, featured many famous actors and actresses singing God Bless America, including Ann Margaret, Lucille Ball, Jack Benny, George Burns, Johnny Cash, Roy Clark, Bing Crosby, Phyllis Diller, Lorne Greene, Bob Hope, Forrest Lewis, Dean Martin, William Shatner, Tom Smothers, Greg Morris, Ricky and David Nelson, Hugh O’Brien, Red Skelton, and many, many more.
The video of the show, which Larry sent to me, was MORE than remarkable. In many ways. There were NO exceptions in the list of celebrities participating…NO distinction placing one sex above another….NO discrepancy among races participating…NO age limitations…and so on.
The result of viewing the video of this variety show produced, in myself, an extremely POSITIVE emotional response.
Underlying its presentation, it described a Nation of People TOGETHER! It revealed the essence of what this great country is all about.
In this era surrounding each and every one of us in innumerable facets of various types of turmoil, a “step back” in Time, to an era in which many folks thought differently is a TRUE gift…one which should be shared…and VIEWED.
Larry sent that Gift to me today. I treasure it now, and will continue to treasure it always.
If you choose to accept, I send that GIFT onwards to YOU.
Simply type-in to your computer browser the address listed below, and you will immediately be swept into this remarkable and uplifting Treasure of Time.
www.youtube.com/embed/UFv-fqQ9D_Y?rel=0
Or, if you wish, simply go to YOUTUBE and search for:
JOHN WAYNE 1970 VARIETY SHOW CELEBRATING AMERICA
I think you will be surprised. ENJOY!
MAY EVERY MOMENT OF YOUR EVERY DAY BE FILLED WITH LOVE, PEACE, AND HOPE!
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