Something About Gains and Losses

Our ancestors, parents, grandparents and before

took with them to the grave such histories of

their being. To say, you can’t take it with you

is a monumental and laughable mistake. Oh,

most certainly histories have been written for

our enlightenment and edification. We are taught

so many of these in school—The trials and tri-

bulations of mankind, the failures and successes.

But what of all the rest? There was so much left

unsaid. Who knew of Grandpa Jones’ innermost

desires, those thoughts which motivated him to

become the person he came to be? And Aunt Winnie,

what drove her into stark-raving insanity? Oh, many

lives of those who achieved fame have been docu-

mented biographically, but what was behind the

clinical depression and alcoholism which Uncle

Albert passed along to me genetically? Why, my

unknown great, great, grandparent may have

suffered from the gout, a pain which was handed

down to me today. How in hell are we supposed to

know what drives our maladies and geniuses per se?

Some say DNA in part gives us a clue. But what was

it exactly that pushed Aunt Winnie over the cliff? Was

it something someone said, or perhaps a healing

overture someone never did? With or without a

single word spoken, familial histories, my friends,

long and lengthy struggles are indelibly etched into

our beings. Inherently and indelibly therein lies the

seed. And in our lifetimes, we shall never stop

extolling all the gains and grieving all the losses.

Chris Hanch 12-9-18