The Lesson

I just watched Frank Capra’s 1937 film, Lost Horizon. It is the third time I’ve seen it and this time the movie is flawed by lost footage backed only with the audio, still I hang on every word. The first time I saw it was when my Dad allowed me to stay up and watch it with him on a school night when I was eleven years old. One of those rare occasions that seemed special then, but priceless now. I wonder what was so important to him that he wanted me to see it with him that night? I see so much of Dad in Conway and I think how well he would have fit into that mythical place where the main directive for living was be kind.

I am finding myself settling in here after nearly 18 months. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine myself becoming the stereotypical grandmother, but I seem to be doing that. My hours with the Lennon become the main focal point of my days instead of my writing, and it seems to suit me. Be kind, that is how we live here.

I still don’t know many people locally, but my life is fleshing out bit by bit and I am feeling better than I have in a very long time. Partly the lifestyle, partly because of the friendships I can maintain through my computer, and partly because a friend’s gift freed up some money that went directly into healthcare. Be kind.

That theme comes up again and again. I see it in action, experience it personally, watch it vicariously. This lesson is easy and clear. Be kind.