I’ve noticed that as people get older they tend to do one of two
things. Either they become more set in their ways (good or bad) and
maintain the habits they always have, or they become less afraid to
try new things and surprise me with their courage.
I’ve noticed that as people get older they tend to do one of two things. Either they become more set in their ways (good or bad) and maintain the habits they always have, or they become less afraid to try new things and surprise me with their courage. Those in the former category sometimes take it to an extreme and become less open to change, while the latter seem to grow into more open-minded and risk-taking people as they age.
For instance, in her 50s, my mother suddenly quit her job and began a completely new profession that was much more fulfilling.
In Gilroy, I find that the women who are active in the community or belong to community organizations like Theater Angels, the American Association of University Women, the PEO, the Gilroy Assistance League, etc., are some of the most interesting risk-taking women that I have ever met.
One active woman in the community is named Arti O’Connor, and she has been telling me about her recent adventures. One of the ways that Arti stepped out of her everyday comfort zone was by going as a chaperone on Gilroy High’s Chamber Singers trip to Germany and the Czech Republic. While there, she spoke with many people about their lives under communism and the changes that have taken place for them since it fell.
She says, “It was quite fascinating. They were so open about how life used to be. For some people freedom has not made life better. Perhaps what was so touching to me was their willingness to speak to a total stranger from America. We had all been told not to expect much warmth or response from the German people because they simply are not very demonstrative and because of our current position in the world, we were not sure if we would be met with hostility.”
This proved not to be the case.
“In fact, as I think about it now, it still brings tears to my eyes to remember the warm welcome we received everywhere we went. Music, brought so beautifully to them by our students, truly was the international language. It sparked many conversations and even a buffet dinner given by the local choir, mayor, church officials and others.
Our guide’s life story, and those of the other people I spoke with, was deeply moving and gave me such an appreciation for what we all have here. How wonderful it would be if everyone on earth could travel to other lands and meet each other as human beings, not enemies, without all the politics. Maybe then we could have peace and understanding, or at least acceptance of our differences. I can dream, can’t I?
“So, I guess what I’m trying to say is that we have so much for which to be grateful.
Whether it’s working in Macedonia (Methodist Youth this summer) or in Mexico (as St. Mary’s Parish and many others do) or bringing music to a small part of previously-communist eastern Europe, these experiences should serve as reminders to appreciate what we have and to help whenever or wherever we can. We don’t have to go anywhere to see need. It’s right here in our midst. We can help by contributing to the Lord’s Table, the St. Joseph Family Center, Salvation Army, Hope, Emergency Housing Consortium, local churches and so many other organizations.
“Thanks for highlighting some of the good things about Gilroy. I love this community and I know I’m very lucky to be a part of it.”
Thank you, Arti, for inspiring us to help others and reminding us what a great community we live in.
