No Joke Friday

in

What a difference a sad event in someone's life makes.

GEORGE CARLIN (His wife recently died...)

Isn't it amazing that George Carlin - comedian of the 70's and 80's - could write something so very eloquent...and so very appropriate.

A Message by George Carlin:

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways , but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've con quered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...

Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.

Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember, to say, 'I love you' to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.

Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

If you don't send this to at least 8 people....Who cares?

George Carlin

( my apologies to those faithful few who came looking for a laugh, but this was more appropiate for me today.)

8 comments:

Crockhead said...

Thanks for the post. Does your sadness have to do with Patry being back in the hospital? That's a bummer. My only quibble with Carlin is his comment that we drink too much. Another glass of wine, please.

Sky said...

thanks for this meaninful post, and my wishes for a happy holiday season for you and your family.

rdl said...

a-law: no it wasn't the reason but thanks for the heads up and I spoke to her today and she's doing great - a reason to be happy.
The "Happy Holiday" season also puts me in a tailspin.
sky: Happy holidays to you too!!

Carol said...

Thanks for posting that, RDL! He did write that well.

Unknown said...

Merry Christmas!

caimariemo said...

loved loved reading this, thanks rdl =)

Lorna said...

George has been one of my heroes almost all of my life. His writing always delights me, even when he's not his rambunctious, evil self.

Can you e-mail me a site where i can keep up with Patry's wellbeing? I missed knowing she was ill but could tell that there was some kind of updating go on---if it's not too personal a site, I'd love to be able to stay current: Lorna-cr@hotmail.com

Mary Sheehan Winn said...

Well said. Happy New Year ;)