MARYLOU B. GARCIA
Coming up with a subject to write about sometimes takes longer than the actual writing, but does it matter? The more important matters are the memories, emotions, and energy that well up in the process. Scientifically, matter is anything that occupies space and has weight – solid, liquid, and gas. Emotions are not considered matter …neither are thoughts, music, sunlight, rainbows, music, and radio waves.
I had a request to house Alexander, in his twenties, whose parents had split up. He stayed with us for four months with a part-time job while his mom and sister stayed in another home. After he had left, I saw his mom and asked her, “How’s Alexander doing?’ Mom replied: “do not discuss personal matters about Alexander.” My gray matter instantly let go of curtness as not a serious matter to dwell upon.
In 2020, police brutality resulting in George Floyd’s murder hit the headlines. The “Black Lives Matter” slogan on billboards, posters, murals, t-shirts, windows, and demonstrations became a movement by supporters of anti-racism and inequality. Portland Philanthropist Jordan Schnitzer offered grants to artists considered “chroniclers of the time,” as a matter of record, for artworks depicting racial oppression.
In my recent visit to Lake Oswego, Oregon, driving downhill, I noticed that among BLM signage still displayed on yards was: “You Matter.” “You Are Worthy of Love.” While its origin was in 2017 against teen suicide, it was just a matter of course that this resurfaced as a sign of hope.
Another signage caught my eye: “All Lives Matter” before flying back to California. Subliminally, I told myself to take on a medical regimen. First off, an overdue colonoscopy procedure. Not a laughing matter, but as I woke up, to be taken seriously, two polyps removed, no cancer — a clean bill of health and a Kaiser cloth bag: “every moment matters” handed to me.
Regular checkups, lab tests, doctor’s appointments, and prescriptions are a matter of life and death. Sadly, my 91-year-old neighbor/friend, Amelia, died from pneumonia last Sunday. She carpooled with me to church for Mass and choir for many years.
It is a matter of faith that Amelia had her appointed time – benevolently packing jumbo boxes herself, sending goods monthly to poor relatives in the Philippines, and shipping donations to charities.
In scripture, Paul writes: Romans 16:2
“Receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from You, for she has been a helper to many and to me as well.”
We know that for all of us to join Amelia and our beloved who have gone ahead, it’s just a matter of time.