Pondering enthusiasm
Got to pondering again the other day. (People over 80 ponder a lot). This latest “ponder” was one I’ve often enjoyed, “If I had to choose ONE specific characteristic which makes a person interesting and fun to be around, what would it be?”
Once more decided of all the characteristics we each gather into what becomes our personality, i.e., our ego... the most important is “ENTHUSIASM.” It follows of course that attribute compliments a sense of humor, concern for others... all those traits we humans admire in others. Realize all of us possess a few undesirable traits. Thankfully, nearly everyone has enough of he good ones to outweigh the imperfections.
Looking back I tested this belief about “enthusiasm” by applying it to unforgettable people I’ve known.
There was a grade school friend, I’ll call Alice. Met her my first day at Camas Prairie and we liked each other. Alice was a “Tribal Member” and lived in a somewhat violent and dysfunctional home environment. She was a year older but was beginning first grade with me because fate had not let her start at age 6. She was friendly to all, eager to learn as much as possible about everything. In early fall she asked me to put my hands on a sheet of paper and she drew an outline around them. Didn’t say why.
At the school’s Christmas party, each student received a small paper bag containing an orange, nuts, and hard candy. Alice shyly slipped something into my bag. It was a pair of meticulously handsewn and beautifully beaded doe skin gloves. Didn’t appreciate what she had done as much as I should have right then, but understood much better after a long talk with my mother. I came to understand it so deeply it still hurts that I did not thank her in a more fitting manner.
Alice was senselessly murdered when she was in eighth grade. She didn’t have much of a chance in life; but from the depth of her being somehow found enthusiasm enough to make astonishing use of what she did have.
In an entirely different context, there are people like Hal Kanzler, a decorated Marine veteran of South Pacific. Highly educated engineer who came to work on Hungry Horse Dam, later becoming chief electrician at the aluminum plant. While doing a tough technical job and raising a family, he was involved in mountain climbing, superior photography, magazine writing, created the first topographic map of the Mission Mountains, active in ski clubs and Rotary.
When the State Legislature passed a law requiring hunter training courses without providing funds or instructions, Hal designed a complete program, got it approved by Fish and Game, taught instructors and classes. Was flown to New York to receive National Shooting Sports Award for that project from General Jimmy Dolittle. If there was an important need in the community, Hal donated time and ideas. Is that “enthusiasm?” Well! I guess so.
Could write a book on the unnumbered friends like Alice and Hal it has been my pleasure to know. So could each of you.
On the back of son Shannon’s college notebook, found an anonymous quotation: “ENTHUSIASM was understood by the ancient Greeks to mean ‘God within us.’ And so it is that when we open ourselves to enthusiasm we receive something from above that makes us capable of achievements otherwise considered beyond our powers. Enthusiasm is the burning spirit within that says ‘I can!’ It is the indomitable ‘YES’ without which nothing worthwhile is ever accomplished.”
Finding that quote once again verified my conviction as to the value in a person’s life of what the dictionary defines as “... intense, eager, interest, zeal, and fervor.”
Recall a long ago visit with Alicia Conrad Campbell, the daughter of C.E. Conrad, founder of Kalispell. As I was leaving, Alicia took hold of my arm and said, “George, you would have loved my mother. She could have an adventure walking around a rock.” .... an ultimate definition of “enthusiasm.”
Life is good. Happy Holidays!
G.George Ostrom is an award-winning columnist. He lives in Kalispell.