Oh what it seemed to be

Folks the idea for this column came, once again, from a song title of my youth. This tune kept running around in my head until I finally decided to do something about it. The title of this song is the heading of this column.

It was just a note of thanks and appreciation, that’s all that it was, but oh, what it seemed to be. It seemed to me to say, "I owe so much to you. I would not be where I am today or be the happy individual that I am without your loving concern."

It was just a simple winter family picnic, that’s all that it was, but oh, what it seemed to be. It was a frozen moment in time as we sat, sang, played and loved on that special occasion of togetherness.

It was only graduation day, that’s all that it was, but oh what it seemed to be. Years of studying and hard work paid off. The tassel was worth the hassle. As I studied the graduates and their friends, I was enchanted by their diversity—not only in the many degrees awarded, but the students’ looks, color, nationality and intent of purpose. It was a celebration of the diversity of mankind and their visions and dreams of a better tomorrow.

It was only a Chinese meal, that’s all that it was, but oh what it seemed to be. Somehow, I felt lifted to a higher level and as we talked about our families, our ancestors, our closely held beliefs, our customs and the cultures of our countries. America, Thailand and China seemed to merge as one. As we sat sipping tea and partaking of northern Chinese cuisine using chop sticks, fingers and forks, the togetherness engulfed us as we became one happy family of the world. Yes, it was only a Chinese dinner, that’s all that it was but oh what it seemed to be!

This is only one small column in a weekly newspaper, that’s all that it is, but oh, what it seems to be. It is a unique opportunity for me to state to one and all that there are all kinds of wonderful people out there. Most are trying to do the best they know how. We need to take time to look beyond ourselves, to live beyond ourselves and embrace our fellow man.

It was Betty’s and my first kiss that’s all that it was, but oh what it turned out to be!

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