Start The Clock * Benjamin Rosenbaum
Another
excellent story. The plot is an old one - when someone you love decides
to take a different turn and grow in a different way than you choose,
what do you do? Story is well written and presents a different view of
the world 30 years from now - but despite the sociological differences,
the emotional issues remain. A worthy read - one I would definitely
recommend to high school English teachers because of the discussions it
could elicit.
We all have to make our own mistakes, I know - but I'm betting if I had a story like this to reflect on with good discussions with my peers I would have made the same mistake less often in this life, thus hurting fewer people along the way. At least I would hope that would have been true.
On a similar note I received the strangest phone call of my life this morning. I was working with several special ed kids when a voice came over the intercom - "Mr Soos, call your wife as soon as possible." Of course I replied, "What do you want me to call her?" The answer I got back was "Mrs Soos".
So I found a phone and called her. She asked if I could be home at noon becuase my dad was getting married. "My dad is what?" Sheesh. I'm 50 - that makes my dad something like 74. Do 74 year olds get marrried without warning? Apparently so. It worked out, the school counselor covered for me, I got to the church on time, and yes - my dad got married to someone I've never met or even heard of. Turns out she's a delightful woman, and I'm sure my dad will be very happy. But what a shock =:-) Nothing better than a good shock to the system from time to time!
The story theme fits because one has to make a choice when someone you love chooses a life track different than you expect. Should you shun them, or love them for who they are? I've seen many grown-ups act like 9 year old children and shun their wives, parents, siblings, etc. I've made the same stupid mistake more times than I'm willing to try to count. But this time I made the right decision, I think. I accepted my dad's wishes and wish him only the best =:-)
Good story, good day.
We all have to make our own mistakes, I know - but I'm betting if I had a story like this to reflect on with good discussions with my peers I would have made the same mistake less often in this life, thus hurting fewer people along the way. At least I would hope that would have been true.
On a similar note I received the strangest phone call of my life this morning. I was working with several special ed kids when a voice came over the intercom - "Mr Soos, call your wife as soon as possible." Of course I replied, "What do you want me to call her?" The answer I got back was "Mrs Soos".
So I found a phone and called her. She asked if I could be home at noon becuase my dad was getting married. "My dad is what?" Sheesh. I'm 50 - that makes my dad something like 74. Do 74 year olds get marrried without warning? Apparently so. It worked out, the school counselor covered for me, I got to the church on time, and yes - my dad got married to someone I've never met or even heard of. Turns out she's a delightful woman, and I'm sure my dad will be very happy. But what a shock =:-) Nothing better than a good shock to the system from time to time!
The story theme fits because one has to make a choice when someone you love chooses a life track different than you expect. Should you shun them, or love them for who they are? I've seen many grown-ups act like 9 year old children and shun their wives, parents, siblings, etc. I've made the same stupid mistake more times than I'm willing to try to count. But this time I made the right decision, I think. I accepted my dad's wishes and wish him only the best =:-)
Good story, good day.
[ 4:12 PM ] [ Jul. 21, 2005 ] [ Post Comment ]