We Are Extensions

As I was listening Sunday afternoon to Dr. Cornel West, a guest on the Tavis Smiley show on NPR, I became interested in his comments about the primary influences on his life. People who have read my memoirs, The Skagway Connection and Four Women One Century have often asked me this question, "Since your early life was so chaotic, how did you turn out to be a decent person? After all, you too might have turned to alcohol, drugs (since you came of age in the '60's was the implication), or a crazy life yourself." I have always known the answer to that question, but Dr. West's comment solidified my belief. He reminded us listeners that we are basically extensions of the people in our lives who have invested their lives in us and have loved us.

In my life, I would choose the three influences easily: my mother (thought imperfect as most mothers are), my grandmother (who took me into her home when she was 63), and my sister (who is older by four years and has always been there). I frequently think of the first few verses of 2nd Timothy in the New Testament where the apostle Paul is remembering and giving thanks also for Timothy's mother and grandmother who became the early examples for the young man on how to live.

As recipients of time and love, I believe we also have an obligation to pass that influence on to the young ones around us now. That includes grandchildren primarily who are often in non-traditional families these days--being products of divorce, single parents, gay parents, or so on. It also includes at-risk children especially in cities like Little Rock who could also benefit from tutoring, volunteer time, or just friendship. As as we are a result of those who have invested time and love in us, we must pass the tradition on to the next generation of young people as well.