LITTLE ROCK — There are few aspects of life more disappointing and distressing than an unappreciative offspring.
Something ugly often happens in the human spirit once hormones of adolescence kick in and a mirror takes priority over one’s immediate family, the only ones who offer unconditional love.
That’s why I was so moved to receive a message from 28-year-old Adam Crosson of New Orleans. Adam said he’s planning to join his parents in Fayetteville soon and just wanted me to know how proud he is of them.
His appreciation for both parents prompts me to share his words with you as we begin a new year together. Adam’s comments have made me evaluate my actions where others are concerned. What truly matters in life? What doesn’t?
Here’s an edited version of his message. (Adam told me he’d rather notname his parents for fear of possibly embarrassing them.)
“My mother is a lifetime Arkansan and has spent the last 23 years as a Fayetteville resident.During that time, she’s spent time investing in the lives of others in this area. As a family, we have sponsored other families around the holidays and the changing of the seasons.
“My parents participate in a program that represents children without proper guardianship, and my mother has donated her time and efforts to fighting homelessness as well as spearheading projects at a local elementary school to eradicate hunger and malnutrition. Her desire to help others doesn’t come from a need to be recognized. It come from within her from a place that desires [for] all an equal chance at the opportunities most of us have, yet take for granted.
“Being aware of the needs of others is just how she’s wired. During my recent return home for the holidays I found she had recently embraced the needs of a young family with three children under 4. She is attempting to provide support for the family: a ride to work or the grocery store, babysitting here and there, but most of all just being there to listen on those rides to work and to the store.
“The stresses of providing for three young ones on a very limited budget are trying, but knowing that someone is investing love and support into this family seems to help ease their burden just a bit.
“Also, my parents are not wealthy and the budget gets tight sometimes. But whenever home, I never feel a loss of love, warmth or comfort. I look up to my parents as they do what they can to help meet the needs that are around us every day.”
How refreshing to receive such a message from a son who survived puberty to recognize the value in his compassionate parents and all they strive to do for others. You’re a good son from a good family, Adam.
Head work
Arkansans can look back on 2010 as the year of flying heads. The Pulaski County coroner, Garland Camper, had to have been exhausted from weeks of digging into that bizarre story of the four human heads and various skull pieces that were seized at the Little Rock airport in June.
The heads, intended for medicalresearch, were supposed to catch a flight to Fort Worth, Texas. But then a vigilant airline worker in Little Rock happened to open the unmarked containers and discoverthem staring back. Yikes!
Just imagine what he must have thought at that moment: Er, um, sergeant, would you step over here for a minute?
Against type
Went to the movies the other day to enjoy lots of popcorn and Jeff Bridges’ version of the crusty U.S. marshal, Rooster Cogburn, in the remake of “True Grit.”
Bridges does a bang-up job portraying free-spirited, independent-minded characters in fictitious screenplays. That’s why I was somewhat surprised to learn that in real life, he considers himself a staunch, no-boundaries liberal and avid supporter of Barack Obama’s agendas.
He’s even reported to have joked, “I’m a commie,” to reporters when asked about wearing his character’s eye patch on the right side.
Still, it’s difficult now to realize that, while Bridges’ screen roles often portray self-reliant, freedom-loving, personally accountable characters, his real-world view favors a political agenda that makes no bones about its intent to control every American’s lifefrom cradle to grave.
Well, come to think of it, crusty ole Rooster was a federal employee.
The illusions of reality fostered by Hollywood can do us such great disservice.
Mike Masterson is opinion editor of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette’s Northwest edition.
Editorial, Pages 15 on 01/01/2011