Thinking back through the years I marvel at the worlds of then, and of now. Intrigued by by the seemingly different universe we now occupy I wonder could “nothing changes as much as it remains the same” actually be true? We all have our foundations, our roots, those core beliefs we hold to so tightly. I become fearful that my grip may loosen as time goes on and suddenly I find they slipped-away. Would it be possible to weather the loss? If I could keep but one, one brick, one rock to anchor myself upon it would unquestionably be love. Love as I learned from my Mother long ago. Love that is rooted in respect and so eloquently entwined in every aspect of our daily dealings. By her word and deed I gained a respect, a love for her and my Father. What they had overcome to be together and keep us safe in our little house. I learned to love those around me for who they were. People, just people and nothing more, making due as best they can given their disposition and state. Not a church proclaimed theoretical love, not a holiday celebratory love, but an everyday love of one another that often requires a softer focus, a more forgiving eye. Love of one another, love between man and woman, and the love of children are all grown from these seeds of respect. Seeds my Mother taught me so long ago to sow and tend.

by – Doug Mathewson

In his humorous auto biography, “Lady, The Only Thing Chinese About Me Is My Mandarin Collar” Korean film star and urban philosopher Hyun-Shik “Walter” Fong said it best. “When we speak of wisdom, the knowledge may not be wise. When we speak of learning, these are things we have always known. When we speak of mother or father we may refer not to a person but to a sense of kindness and security, a great unconditional love that we all wish to embrace in our lives and cherish in our memories. Build your life on these three, wisdom, learning, and love and you shall never want.”
Walter’s first name Hyun-Shik translates as “clever”. I feel his words go far beyond that.
To be the object of unconditional love is ones greatest treasure. To give unconditional love is ones greatest gift.

Yours, Doug Mathewson