Steam rising off of Green Lake in the subzero weather.
It might be shaping up to be a cold winter with today (Saturday, Dec. 13) a balmy -2 degrees in Green Lake, Wisconsin. When I was a kid, it was always this way, with a thick blanket of snow, frigid temperatures and iced over lakes, ponds and even rivers. Alas, with the change of climate, such events as a cold snap, are few and far between. Green Lake is still defiantly ice-free and probably will remain so. The cold snap is but a few days before temperatures begin to rise.
Switchback played some outreach shows for the Thrasher Opera House. One senior home, in Ripon, had a real character, Gloria. She was ready for us when we came in, with jingle bells on both wrists, a Santa cap on her head. She was sharp and witty--and somewhat flirtatious as well. She took a shine to Brian, and as he would play a quick guitar riff, she would fake-swoon and ask him if he was married. She became part of the entertainment, even for us!
When we had finished the concert, I thanked her for being so much fun. It was then she told Brian and myself a brief bit of her life story. A ten-hour surgery for a brain tumor, subsequent strokes that left her unable to talk or walk. A lifetime of struggle to get to where she was today. And here at the nursing home was where she is, surrounded with fellow residents and a staff that clearly adores her.
“I made a decision one morning,” she said. “I can get up angry about everything, or I can choose to make everyone happy.” It resonated with me, who usually chooses the former when the challenges of life are presented. I felt humbled in her presence, a real warrior of goodness, and reminded myself of how lucky I am to be able to do what I do with full health, friends and family.
Later that evening, I came across a video from Radio Free Europe. It was about an American volunteer in Ukraine. A young former Marine, he volunteered to serve because “I could sit at home, look at my phone and rant, or I could do something about it.” He volunteered to be in the attack forces, the ones that go and face the Russians and their mercenaries head on. He had a couple of close scrapes, but he decided that any prisoners he took, he would treat with compassion. “This war has been too horrible,” he said. “It’s my way to fight that horror by showing some compassion, some humanity, even to the enemy that surrenders.”
There are people out there who strive to make a difference. They stand up to adversity and tyranny in all its forms. The tyranny of loneliness, the tyranny of dictatorship, the tyranny allowing things to happen without fighting. Both Gloria and that young American volunteer represents choices that we make. Each one is truly a difficult, daily choice--to face each day with bravery and optimism.
I myself will strive to think about Gloria and the young soldier as I find myself complaining about whatever is irritating me during the day. Or when I feel sorry for myself because I haven't achieved what I thought I should achieve. Or receive what I think I should deserve. What two wonderful selfless heroes!
To realize that there are others who cannot do what you do or are too frightened to do it. These people are models to look for; to take note of and take stock of one’s own life when compared to such heroes. Both Gloria and the young soldier are showing what it is like to serve others first. That is the secret of this life, and it is the richest part of this world. Especially if you believe in the next world.
READ MARTIN’S OTHER BLOG HERE.