Dear Boo and Bubble,
I woke up yesterday morning to find this post of your mother's on FaceBook. It was such a moving tribute to my father (her grandfather and your great grandfather) that I asked permission of her to include it here in The Bridge Project.
Two things that struck me -- first, it is so interesting to read someone else's words describing one of the people you loved most in your own life; and second...how important it is to communicate your support and encouragement to someone you care about, knowing that they will carry both throughout life.
In some respects this blog is intended to do just that for the two of you. But it pales in comparison to the time and energy Granddaddy Schaefer shared with your mom by writing her in his own hand, every week, those many years ago.
Salutation to the Dawn
Look to this day!
For it is live, the very life of life
In its brief course
Lie all the verities and realities of your existence;
The bliss of growth;
The glory of action;
The splendor of achievement;
For yesterday is but a dream;
And tomorrow is only a vision;
But today, well lived, makes every yesterday
A dream of happiness,
And every tomorrow a vision of hope.
--Sanskrit
Granddaddy Schaefer sent this poem to me when I was in my first year at Barnard. Little chickadee from South Carolina doing her best to believe she deserved her spot at the Ivy League elite (that wasn't just due to grades and geographic balancing at a public high school in my state). When you know your place and position, you understand your relationship with those who came from the top of the US Prep School Elite. Awareness of others relative to yourself is a marker of both intelligence and street smarts...don't dismiss it!
Granddaddy Schaefer sent me handwritten letters weekly. Not dictated. From his own pen. He took the time to show up to me in support of my journey, one he knew as a GIANT leap for me. I didn't realize at the time that he understood because he had taken a similar leap himself.
I idolize my Granddaddy Schaefer, even knowing his many flaws that I learned as I grew into adulthood. His belief in me and his way of showing up when my parents were in a dubious state of mind about what to let do...well...I know he argued my side (even when I didn't know there was one that could/should be argued).
The Salutation to the Dawn was one of his favorite poems. May it be a support to those in a time of transition, struggle, or peace. The words resonate regardless of your station of position in life. And maybe Granddaddy Schaefer's spirit will argue your side in the nether and you'll know the victory of having his wisdom and courage to speak up and influence your path.
Mary Kathleen Tally Yeargin
