I’m responsible for one of those family stories that might
get passed down in history, creating mirth amongst future generations. Or, the
whole thing might just disappear into oblivion and never be mentioned again, no
chance. Whatever the future holds, I will tell the truthful story now and I
will call it The Time I Broke the Silence, or The Snort, for short. It happened
about ten years ago.
We travelled to London for a family wedding. Money was a bit
tight at the time, but this was my eldest nephew getting married, the first
born of the next generation and I would have moved heaven and earth to be
there. I found ‘budget’ bed and breakfast accommodation at Tufnell Park which
was close enough to Islington Town Hall where the ceremony was taking place. We
only needed somewhere to sleep for a couple of nights. I had to keep reminding
myself of that every time something was wrong. It was the worst place I’ve ever
stayed. The fact that builders were on site, working inside with power drills
and goodness knows what at all times of day was bad enough. No chance for some
quiet time. Light bulbs missing,
wash-basin plug missing, electric sockets not working, leaky shower and mouldy
toast at breakfast and no one wanted to listen to our complaints. Dressed in our wedding finery, we had to pick
our way across a semi-dark landing and reception area strewn with power cables
and joinery tools. The only saving grace, there was just one, our car was
safely parked in their enclosed yard. I
won’t name and shame, it was a long time ago and it might be different now.
Islington
Town Hall was bathed in warm sunshine. We mingled with everyone else gathered
outside, embracing family and friends and happy to be part of this special
occasion. When summoned, we filed into
the Council Chamber, silently taking our seats in the horseshoe shape that
surrounded two ornate chairs for the bride and groom and a table full of
flowers. Quite out of the blue, I started to feel emotional. The Council
Chamber looked and felt like a cathedral. I looked up at the domed ceiling,
blinking away tears. My head was full of memories, the baby boy who brought
such joy into our bereaved family had grown into this handsome young man and
was now about to be married. I was not
going to burst into tears, I really wasn’t. There was quiet music as the bride
and groom took their places, then silence. I was overwhelmed and held my breath
for fear of sobbing. I think I held it too long. I tried to calm down and
breathe gently, but instead I let out a loud, massive snort.
The noise seemed to echo round the
circular building. I heard mutterings from the opposite side of the chamber.
The lady next to me, who was the mother of the best man, turned herself right
round to stare at me, nose nearly touching mine. I think she whispered her
concern. My husband was on my other side,
but I don’t remember him speaking. My horrified daughter, a few seats along,
was mouthing ‘God, Mum, was that you?’
There was far too much laughter about it,
later on. Bursting into tears might have been less embarrassing.
Anyway, there it is, from the source,
before anyone says ‘You’ll never guess what Nanna did…’
Here is Desiderata, as true for today as
ever,
Desiderata
Go
placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be
on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the
dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If
you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always
there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your
own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of
time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of
trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons
strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about
love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as
the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things
of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do
not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and
loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child
of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be
here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is
unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive
Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of
life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
By Max Ehrmann © 1927
Thanks for reading, take care and stay safe, Pam x
