Reflection on Time

I take it whenever I can find it. Time, I mean; specifically time in the present, the now. This moment, before it dies. I take it and I hold on to it, or at least I try to hold on to it. Because after living for 97 years, I don't know how much time I have left. Or how well I will be able to make good use of it.

I do not look back often. Without searching for details, I know that most of my life has been healthy and happy. Like most women, I went through the stages of adolescence, marriage and motherhood, facing the challenges and enjoying the luxury of family. I was blessed with two fine husbands and two fine children.

As a young woman I was involved in women's rights, and in civil rights generally. I followed my second husband to Italy in 1952 with my three and four year old children. I embarked on a business career in my 60's while we were living in Italy. I learned how to speak Italian, and built up a successful business with my husband. I retired when Gordon passed away, left Italy, and came to St. Augustine with my son and daughter-in- law in 1982.

This entirely new life style spun me into political awareness on a national level, and into volunteerism locally. I had never realized how important volunteerism could be. There were so many places to work -- in the public libray, the hospital, the schools, the COA, the food bank, and more.

Then I learned of several local organizations concerned with social justice issues, including NOW, TREES, and the League of Women Voters, After meeting Barbara Weidner, founder of Grandmothers for Peace International, based in California, I started an affiliate here in St. Augustine, called Grandparents for Peace. We are pimarily anti-nuke and anti-war, but we network with a wide assortment of organizations that are concerned with various issues, such as racism, the environment, the homeless.

Becoming "Granny guru" to the peace camps sponsored by the Florida Coalition for Peace & Justice has brought me close to hundreds of youngsters from diverse cultures and walks of life. I have learned so much about their problems, and fears. For example, how the recent immigration legislation affects long-established Mexican farm families in and around Apopka, which is the local base for Cesar Chavez's Farm Workers Union. While the children were born in the U.S.A, their parents face imminent deportation.

I guess the key word to describe what my life has been is expansion - from the limiting confines of self and family, to the boundless world around me. I recognize the value of all life. I am more aware of and concerned for others. I treasure each day.

I want more time....