He Calls Me California
"When I was younger, I could remember anything, whether it happened or not; but my faculties are decaying, now, & soon I shall be so I cannot remember any but the latter. It is sad to go to pieces like this, but we all have to do it." - original manuscript in the Mark Twain Papers as reprinted in Quotable Mark Twain by R. Kent Rasmussen
As we age and draw near the edge of our life stage,
shadows of our past are cast, but our memories fade.
There are exceptions, and it's not the rule for all of us.
But for far too many of us, it seems to be a must.
I have an older relative whose name is Henry.
I've been thinking much of him this January.
Like Henry and all mortals, we grow old with signs.
We often purchase aged items and call them 'great finds'.
From my perspective, I've found Henry to be nice and kind.
That we all fall short of God's glory, there is no denying.
Many of us will age most gracefully and without much fuss.
Life is very uncertain and often takes a toll on many of us.
Where our road ends, only time and our Omniscience God can tell.
Henry and I have known each other for a long time, but not very well.
He has his father's name but his mother's looks. Although for many
years, Henry had a troubled life, I have found him to be a most
gentle soul. I met him first in Chicago 50 years ago in 1972 when he
came to his sister's wedding to whom I was getting married. I don't recall
seeing Henry again until 2008 at a family reunion. We connected again
the following year at his brother's funeral. I last saw him in 2016
when his sister and I visited him in a nursing home. By then he had
forgotten my name, but he remembered me. Upon seeing me, he was
quick with a smile and loving respect. This time, he struggled with
my name, but he was quick to remind me that he certainly knew who
I was. The memory had faded, but it was as if a sign of me with just
enough information was still there. He called me California, where
I had resided for nearly 40 years. We had a hearty laugh together.
In his mind and mine, it was a golden moment; one I have treasured
and never forgot. I feel tears as I write this. Again, of late, Henry who
turns 81 this month, has been heavily on my mind, and I have had
special prayers for him. My wife and I have moved closer and perhaps
I shall be privileged to see Henry again. Although We are one year
removed from the Golden State, I would love
to hear Henry call me California again.
010723PS
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