Your musings reminded me of Thornton Wilder’s beloved play “Our Town” and the character Emily Webb’s famous and oft-repeated line:
“Oh, earth, you're too wonderful for anybody to realize you. Do any human beings ever realize life while they live it -- every, every minute?”
On the cusp of going to college I felt sad, uncertain and somewhat unwilling to leave home and all that was familiar. My mom, on the other hand, was thrilled at the prospect of having no kids in the house and a looser, freer schedule. Talk about role reversal!
Now that I’m older and more aware of fleeting moments while they’re happening, I take photos or videos and jot down a few words to remind my future self of the emotions or thoughts I felt in that particular moment. I also try to share my appreciation, joy, or gratitude I’m feeling with others while in that moment.
It’s a lovely play and I always am teary eyed when I see it. My dad played George, Emily’s sweetheart, in his high school play. I wonder, at that particular age, whether students in the play truly “got” the message that life’s moments are so ephemeral, shimmering, and fleeting.
Your musings reminded me of Thornton Wilder’s beloved play “Our Town” and the character Emily Webb’s famous and oft-repeated line:
“Oh, earth, you're too wonderful for anybody to realize you. Do any human beings ever realize life while they live it -- every, every minute?”
On the cusp of going to college I felt sad, uncertain and somewhat unwilling to leave home and all that was familiar. My mom, on the other hand, was thrilled at the prospect of having no kids in the house and a looser, freer schedule. Talk about role reversal!
Now that I’m older and more aware of fleeting moments while they’re happening, I take photos or videos and jot down a few words to remind my future self of the emotions or thoughts I felt in that particular moment. I also try to share my appreciation, joy, or gratitude I’m feeling with others while in that moment.
I love this so much, Christine -- this really touched my heart! I'm going to remember that line from Our Town 👍
It’s a lovely play and I always am teary eyed when I see it. My dad played George, Emily’s sweetheart, in his high school play. I wonder, at that particular age, whether students in the play truly “got” the message that life’s moments are so ephemeral, shimmering, and fleeting.