March 2, 2009

 "It takes at least a couple of decades to realize that you were well taught. All true education is a delayed-action bomb assembled in the classroom for explosion at a later date. An educational fuse of 50 years long is by no means unusual."  -- Kenneth D. Gangel
 
For most people their parents are their most important teachers although they don't realize it at the time.  Like many people I went through an arrogant, cocky period when I was young.  It was only later that I came to realize how much I had learned from my parents and the importance of their contributions to my life.
 
My mother, Irene Rose Johnson, passed away on February 19.  One of the lessons I learned from her was that family members do whatever they can for each other.  My father asked me to speak at her funeral.  Here is part of what I said, "During my first season as a clown with a circus we were playing in small towns.  I wanted to make a new prop but couldn't find what I needed.  I called my parents and asked them to purchase it and mail it to me.  I don't remember what I needed but it must have been a strange collection because the cashier asked my Mom, 'What do you need all of this for?'
 
"My Mom said, 'It's for my son, He's a circus clown.'
 
"The cashier said, 'Oh, really, I have never met the mother of a clown before.'  (That made my mother feel very special.)
 
"I knew that I could ask my mother for help because she had always done everything she could for me and my brother and sisters.  When we moved to Long Beach (CA), her first job was selling Avon products so she could work her schedule around us.  Then she got a job working evenings at a Taco Stand.  She was home during the day until my father came home and then she went to work.  Sometimes Dad would take us to her stand and buy us Taco Burgers so they would have a chance to talk.  When I got old enough to watch the others for short periods of time, she got a job working swing shift at Robertshaw.  Dad would feed us and then he would pack up some food.  He drove to Robertshaw and she would meet him in the parking lot during her break and the two of them would have a picnic sitting in the car.  Later, she moved to the day shift and did the things mothers often do to help their children.  She was a Cub Scout Den Mother, a Girl Scout leader, and she sat up late at night typing our term papers before we learned to type ourselves."
 
There were many other things that I learned from my parents.  I developed my work ethic from their example and encouragement. 
 
One of my earliest memories of my mother is seeing her read mystery stories.  I know that I got my love of reading in general, and mysteries in particular, from her.  She also loved to play games.  When I was in third grade, we would have a family game night once a week.  Later, she and I would compete against each other watching Wheel of Fortune on TV.  The last time that my parents visited me we sat up late at night playing a card game that my Mom especially enjoyed.  I have incorporated the playful spirit that I learned from her into my clown performances.  I have come to appreciate the intellectual stimulation provided by reading mysteries and playing games.
 
I know that my Christian faith came from my parents.  They made sure that we went to church and Sunday School as we grew up.  They also taught me to serve God.
 
One thing that I feel peace about is that in recent years I made a conscious effort to let my parents know how much I appreciate the contributions they made to my life.  I know I truly would never have accomplished what I did without their support and encouragement.
 
What important lessons did you learn from your parents?  If they are still alive, have you told them that?  Who else has been an important influence in your life?  Can you thank them for what they taught you? 
 
I consider my many friends part of my extended family and try to help them when possible.  Who do you consider to be members of your extended family?  What can you do for them?