Well, here we are in the glorious, “Lusty month of May”(what took it so long?)! You may remember that was a song title from Camelot, a charming musical about King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table in not so merry old England. It was a staple of the Kennedy era and romantics and idealists still look back, wistfully recalling the lyrics:
Don't let it be forgot
That once there was a spot,
For one brief, shining moment
That was known as Camelot.
And that clearly begs for some comparison to the events in Tallahassee today. Governor Crist is clearly on a roll. The Capitol is under his spell. I would even accuse him of voodoo in that some of the staunchest, hard core, party-line Democrats that I have ever known have returned from their annual pilgrimage to the most remote center of State politics in the country gushing about how wonderful Charlie is and that the City of Brotherly Love has been relocated to Tallahassee. It really is scary. I don’t know how the man can continue to ride his white charger much longer without an embarrassing fall. Certainly he has done a great job so far. He has been a champion for every cause and has lifted the spirits of… well, pretty much everybody. I am genuinely concerned that his considerable early successes have raised expectations to an impossibly high level and that he could burn out in the first six months of Camelot II. I never thought I’d say this but he should look to the example set by his predecessor’s older brother and take a vacation for at least a couple of days.
May is truly a lusty month in nature. Anyone who has watched Disney’s Bambi knows that this is the time of year that many species get “twitter-patted”. The moorhens outside my office have already given birth to their first set of the three broods they will bear this year. Both parents equally share in the nest building, egg-sitting, and responsibilities for raising the five offspring. Another brood will be born before the first brood is able to fly away and these “teenagers” will be expected to pitch in to help “baby sit” their younger siblings. They are remarkable parenting examples!
May is also the poignant month in which we celebrate Mother’s Day, Armed Forces Day, and Memorial Day. All of these days are rich with emotional significance and deserve more than just a moment of passing reflection. For those lucky enough to be able to physically share any of these days with the respective honorees, you are truly blessed. Be sure to make a special effort to recognize and appreciate the people whose love and sacrifices made it possible for us to be here. To Jane Welsh Carlyle who wrote: “Time is the only comforter for the loss of a mother”, I say that time isn’t doing a very good job.
Best wishes for a Happy Mother’s Day to all who have filled that vital nurturing role and a crisp salute and heartfelt appreciation to the brave men and women whose military service and sacrifices made possible the fruits of freedom we enjoy today!
Slainte!
John Kelly