Yes, it’s true. Despite all the accolades and tributes it’s hard to believe Dolly Parton has passed on. The event happened much too suddenly for the millions who were moved by her talent.
No longer will she be gracing the stage, telling stories about her hard-scrabble upbringing in rural Tennessee, singing songs we all could relate to, being kind and gentle to those she had never met, smiling and being of good cheer as if today would never end.
But just as it will for all of us, it did end. Mentions and memories will now be a slow fade until they eventually come to rest in the accounts of times.
In writing these columns I have purposely avoided writing about current events and personalities because they would likely be at odds with my purpose of treating the philosophical side of logic.
But Dolly’s recent passing has caused me to make an exception. Her rise from poverty to stardom might not have seemed logical to some people, but hers was special. Far from being an add-on, her talent began to shine early in life — came on so strong she didn’t want to waste any time in taking full advantage of it and flowed from her until the very end.
Nobody will ever be like her and nobody should even try. But as final as that sounds, that’s not a shut out. She left behind a legacy consisting of a sense of being, doing, and becoming that can serve as a model for all of us to follow.
If Dolly were here, she would likely suggest you not try to do all of it at once, but rather in bits and pieces. Then keep at it until you are happy and pleased with yourself for having given the most of what you had to give.
- No matter how poor and plain was your beginning, you should never forget where you came from and the people you left behind. If at all possible, visit that location every few years to remind yourself of what it was like to begin your life and grow up there.
- Be kind to your heritage and upbringing. That stream of experiences taught you the values you now have, lessons that will be with you throughout life and come to your rescue during times of trouble and indecision.
- After you have identified your talents, do whatever is required to protect, improve, and enhance them. They are your exclusive gift to the world that no other person has ever had.
- Be generous with those in need. Whether it’s a gift of your time, your influence, or your money, let your generosity reward not only others but yourself. Let that be an avenue leading to contentment and deep feelings of self worth.
- No matter how others might treat you, accept them with graciousness, understanding, and sympathy. Help them ease past the pain, distrust, and uncertainty that at some point exists in all of our lives.
- Be yourself, consistently genuine and true to all mannerisms, thoughts, opinions, and ideas that identify who and what you are. Above all, exude confidence in everything you do and that others do in your behalf.
- Understand that God is responsible for you being here and that you are responsible for living up to the standards He intends us to follow. That’s no small task, but if you need his help, be humble and ask for it.
No magic is involved in leading such a life and leaving behind a rich and meaningful legacy. Rather, it’s the result of continuously making good on talent and sensibilities no matter how much is required to reach those heights.
If you are still wondering how Dolly managed to become both the person and the entertainer she became, look again at that list. It reveals what it takes to make the most of what you could possibly be during your earthly existence.
Dolly will always be with us.
Imagine it’s a spring morning. You are standing there cloaked in the sun’s warmth when you become aware of a nearby apple tree covered with white blossoms.
On the tree’s topmost limb is a bird that after moving its brightly colored feathers outward to dry, tilts its head in your direction and excitedly chirps “Good for you!”
