“I’m such a
Pollyanna,” she confesses aloud.
“How so?” I
ask.
She explains, “I
always thought (so-and-so) was a nice man but I guess I was wrong now that he’s
…” or
“When I was a
little girl, I thought everyone was nice.”
“She”, of
course, is my Linda. Of her many charms
that sustain my crippling addiction for her, this is my favorite: child-like innocence, steeped in grown-up-lady
wisdom, nicked but undaunted. She is
truly surprised in her heart when someone disappoints her by “acting out” or
misbehaving in some way. She briefly mourns
the loss of trust, but then forges ahead with fresh optimism. Her confession is one of self-reproach, as if
she should have known better. “Maybe I’m
too trusting. Maybe the world really is
no good and I’ve chosen not to see it.”
I say, No! She is right to expect the best of
everyone. I think that’s a much better
outlook on life and society. A constant
expectation of failure or miss-step leads to a foul attitude all ‘round. There is a standard of conduct, both socially
and personally, that’s worth believing in and upholding. We should
behave ourselves! She gets this from her
mother, Joy Faye. She was always quick
to counter every “ugly” or negative situation with words of cheer and
optimism. I think that philosophy is
contagious: expect the best from everyone around you and that’s usually what
you’ll get. I grew up working out in the yard
and garden. Those chores were simply a part of our everyday lives and we
were expected to carry them out. I did
so partly out of obligation but also because there was this inner desire to
please my Dad. I could tell that he took real pride in looking back over his
day’s work and seeing a job well done. That made me want to do well also
and when I did, I can still remember the thrill of his praise. If the job
was done poorly or not at all, I remember what hurt the most was the knowledge
that I had disappointed him.
Linda has always
been able to instill that in her daughters, sons-in-law, and husband. So, get ready Audrey Faye, you have such a
treat in store getting to know your Gran!
Wikipedia
defines “Pollyanna” as someone who seems always to be able to find something to
be "glad" about, no matter what circumstances arise. Most of the influence for that comes from the
eponymous Disney movie about the little girl who lived life that way, even
during a temporarily disabling accident.
I think that’s accurate, but for
Linda, they left out the part about her unwavering faith and eyes-wide-open
confidence that comes from wanting and expecting the best for everyone she
loves.
So, if that’s
being Pollyanna, please never change!
