Properly Honored Memories

Be generous with your heart, my friends.  It’s so easy, and it feels so right.

By Ron Ciancutti

Elderly Dr. Archibald “Moonlight” Graham is asked what he would wish for if given the opportunity to live again. He says:  “You know, we just don't recognize the most significant moments of our lives while they're happening. Back then I thought [when he played in the Major Leagues for only one day but never got up to bat], well, there'll be other days. I didn't realize that that was to be the only day.”

Through the magic of the field of dreams, his youth is restored and he is a rookie again, until the medical services of his adulthood are needed. After saving a little girl’s life, "Moonlight" Graham walks off the field for the last time, knowing he cannot switch from doctor to ball player and has again spent only one day in the majors, although this time he did get to bat. Shoeless Joe Jackson knows his pain and how hard it is for him to leave. “ Hey rookie!” he yells. Moonlight stops to look at him and Jackson continues, “You were good.” Graham smiles, looks to heaven and nods, then walks slowly, disappearing into the cornfield.

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My dad worked for Ford Motor Company for 42 years. His father worked for Alcoa Steel for 33 years. My mom’s dad worked as an ice/coal/milkman for more than 25 years until those trades were surrendered to automation. Then, he spent 35 years cutting hair. (Even decades after his becoming a barber, men would call the shop for an appointment and still ask for “Pat the Milkman.” I remember he loved that, being remembered for what he once did as well as for what he now did.)

So, it’s no big surprise that I’ve been working for the Cleveland Metroparks since 1985. What is surprising is that because of my “stick-around” quality, many of my contemporaries have moved on, leaving me with a network of friends, a generation older, which is a unique position.

You see, I get to be the guy that stands on the dock, waving goodbye while one ship after another called retirement sails out to sea.