Ode to Nona

Numerous people claim angels exist.  Certainly, I’ve always dreamed of meeting one, but never thought it possible.  In the last few weeks, I’ve encountered three—or rather they happened upon me.  

If you’ve followed my blog, you know 2017 was a pretty taxing year for yours truly.  No vacation or time-off (at all) since fall of 2016.  No payment (at all) for the tons of overtime.  No progression re my writing or blog.  Nothing (at all) positive seemed to be happening.  Of course, I now realize now I’d contributed [majorly] to this.  

One of the angels was “Nona”.  As I’m having a mani-pedi, a gregarious Italian grandmother sits beside me.  She laughs and jokes, cusses and chats.  I learn about her husband killed in the line of duty, the selfish self-centered daughter-in-law, a darling and loving grandson . . . and about human nature.  She doesn’t apologize for swearing; it’s part of her makeup.  She may swear—with the intensity of an on-leave sailor—but God knows who she is and what she is.  She’s the real deal: not like [too many] Christians who attend church regularly and pray daily, smile to your face, but are downright disingenuous.  “Be good, but not too good,” Nona grins and winks in farewell.

A major message if ever there was one.  I’d been struggling with a) being virtuous/upright (a true Christian) and felt I was losing the battle big time, and b) wanting to be more like a fellow church-goer (one who very recently, yes, proved to be quite disingenuous).  I discovered that while it’s good to be a caring and giving person, you don’t have to be “perfect” . . . because it’s impossible.  No one, but no one, is perfect.  So don’t fret about it.  Be yourself and be happy about it.  Love the skin you’re in: embrace who you are.

Here’s to you, Nona.  I hope we meet again one day.  In the meanwhile, I’m sending out positive thoughts and a virtual hug and kiss.  God bless you, Nona, God bless.