A Philosophy That Stands The Test Of Time
Published on October 01, 2014
There are certain events in all of our lives that touch us and leave a lasting impression. Sometimes scars form. Other times fond memories take their place in the album of our lives. Still others have the capacity to imprint on our psyche and personal philosophy. Over the weekend a memory took me back to a hospital bed in early June 1968. I was 13 at the time and was hospitalized to have my appendix removed. On the second day after surgery the funeral of Bobby Kennedy was broadcast on every television channel available. The world had not yet healed from the loss of his brother, President John F Kennedy and here we were thrust into another unspeakable event. One of those small black and white televisions hung suspended over my bed on a mechanical arm. Mine was one of few rooms with a television. I'm not sure why I had it because we certainly couldn't afford it.
That afternoon as the funeral was televised no less than five nurses sat on the corners of my bed watching the service. Ted Kennedy read the eulogy as the camera panned back from the casket, through the back of the church and out the doors. It continued to pull back over the reflecting pool and the Washington Monument. His words were powerful. Wrought with emotion and eloquence. It was the final statement that I have always remembered. His closing words echoed the quote of George Bernard Shaw. He said, "Some men see things as they are and ask why. My brother saw things that never were and asked why not". As the last words trailed off I looked around at the nurses on my bed. All of them, grown women were weeping openly. I felt the tears running down my own face before I was even aware that I was crying. Beyond the sadness I heard the message. It was a message that said more is possible. It was a message I needed to hear and have never forgotten. Take heed of those words and the potential in your own life. Adopt it as your own when embarking on a new journey or stretching the bounds of your own belief and imagination. Do this then. "See things that never were and ask why not". This is one philosophy that stands the test of time. Have an excellent day.
Be well,
Randy Taylor
