On the mantle
above our fireplace sits two decorative but small candelabra with scented
candles. A small musical picture frame
that contains Kim’s and my wedding program.
A gift from my sister-in-law.
We have a small
side table in our dining room, void of any furniture except for that. On it are
pictures of our kids, our dog Bailey, and two pictures of Kim and me. One from our wedding and the other on a trip
when we were engaged. Our favorite
pictures.
I’m sure you
have similar items, trinkets and knickknacks in your house or office. Reminders.
Things near and dear and valued.
Sometimes we put
people on mantles and pedestals.
Not sure why we
do. But they are there nonetheless.
Famous athletes
who earn millions of dollars for hitting a small round ball. For shooting a ball through a hoop. For throwing a football. Maybe catching or running with one. Sometimes the glamorous who appear in movies
and in our television shows acting funny, romantic, serious or dramatic. Perhaps ones who sing so sweetly and play
guitar.
Not sure why
they’re there. But there they are. Up On The Pedestal.
The problem is,
at least one of the problems, is that they are human. Very human.
When they don’t
act as we think they should, off the Pedestal they fall. Some slowly, gracefully, like the actor or
actress who age beyond the action hero role they normally play. Perhaps the face becomes too wrinkled. Hair turns too gray. Can’t quite sing as they used to once upon a
time. We’re shocked that this singer,
that actor turns 50 . . . 60 . . . 70.
Even worse when
this person or that person makes a mistake.
Takes a wrong step. Heaven forbid
he or she fails to live up to our expectations.
The role that we’ve assigned to them.
No longer Up On
The Pedestal.
Some of it their
own tragedy. Drugs. Sex.
Stupidity. Lack of guidance. Lack of direction. Too much money, glamor, notoriety too
soon. Far too soon at such a young age.
Human. Very human.
I’m careful of
who I put Up On The Pedestal. Very
careful.
Because once up,
the only place they can fall is down.
Knocked down by accident. Taken
down because . . . well, just because. I’ve
decided long ago that I don’t really want to be Up On The Pedestal. Not really.
It’s a long, and often lonely, way down.
Besides, I’m not that famous. Not
famous at all. Too old. Too wrinkly.
Too many mistakes. Too many
missteps.
Human. Very human.
Our heroes. Those we think are
heroes. Those who we think we like and
want to be like. All human. Very human.
And they, like we, make mistakes.
Take missteps. Human. Something to think about . . .