Anybody out there moved lately? What a pain in the butt, ain’t it? That’s my world and it’s really been, while laborious, an emotional joy ride relieving almost 20 years in a cherished home. But hey, it’s mentioned often in this forum that life is all about change, right? Question becomes, good or bad? In this case, it’s wonderful. After nine years of courtship darling girlfriend and your humble correspondent are taking the next step.
Back to the story, I’m trying to take advantage of moving and get really organized. I write “Memories” on a storage container lid and think about what has been deposited. Almost two decades in Congress Park, the village tucked into Denver’s near-east side and close to the beautiful Botanic Gardens. Ya know, momentous from those moments that have become part of our DNA. Those times, and the emotions the times produced, that become part of our DNA and define us.
When moving here, from Denver’s nearby Hilltop neighborhood, after divorce number one, first priority was getting close to kindergarten son’s parochial elementary school. Mission was accomplished when a fixer-upper, less than a block from school, become available. A man recovering from divorce and five-year-old son moved in while mother and former wife pursued a new opportunities in Los Angeles.
An interesting time in life for sure. That was long ago, long before Pep Talks and the Comeback Coach stuff was born. Life was demanding but one of the best makers of Hamburger Helper - the kids down the block will vouch for me, I hope - had a responsibility - still do - to weather the storm. Faith demands that of me. Life had thrown a lemon and it was time to transform it into a sweet and savory margarita. I know, simple, not easy. Let’s never forget, we’re in this together!
Okay, to the point. Moving, packing up and the experience is triggering many thoughts, emotions and all that other stuff. Two words keep popping into cranium: love and learn.
What you say?
Well, another cool thing about this savored tree-lined street in Congress Park is this: at one end of the block, there’s a church. At the other end of the block is the before-mentioned school where son and, after second marriage, little sister attended and learned.
I’ve been called a lot of things in life, smart rarely one of them, but I’ve always thought it was cool to have a church and school as block bookends. Good mojo. At one end, an institution dedicated to encouraging others to love one another. The church serves many denominations. I see the human kaleidoscope often when departing or arriving home considering my alley garage stands maybe 60 feet from a popular gathering spot on the church’s south side. There’s an admired strong sense of community present.
At the far end of the block rests a school building, long-time parochial and now private, with the critical, noble and challenging mission of educating our nation’s most precious resource. Our kids, 25% of our population, 100% of our future.
One end of the block stresses love, the other, learning. Love and learning? Bartender, buy everybody another round, will ya? I was lucky. It’s a prayer everyone who stepped into the humble abode benefited, from that quality marinade. The energy emanating in this little piece of the Mile High City was “Love and Learn.”
How about this week, we make sure that dynamic duo oozes from us too. Marinating in love and learn can’t be bad for you, right?
Have a great week!
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