I just finished Harriet the Spy by Lois Fitzhugh for the nth time. It was just as good this time as it was when I was a child. I tried to read for work’s sake this time, since I know authors should learn from the best writers, but with this book, like most other great ones, I continually got wrapped up in the story, and ended up reading it for sheer pleasure more than anything. Here are a couple of quotes that resonated with me;
“There was a cold wind off the water, but the day was one of those bright, brilliant, shining days that made her feel the world was beautiful, would always be, would always sing, could hold no disappointments.” (p. 295)
Here I was surprised to find such poetic and mature elements simply described. She describes a feeling humans glimpse once in awhile if they are so lucky. I love being reminded of this perfect type of day, that I have had the joy of experiencing too.
One more, written by Harriet’s nanny, who has just left since Harriet no longer needs her;
“Another thing. If you’re missing me I want you to know I’m not missing you. Gone is gone. I never miss anything or anyone because it all becomes a lovely memory. I guard my memories and love them, but I don’t get in them and lie down. ….You’re eleven years old which is enough to get busy growing up to be the person you want to be. No more nonsense, Ole Golly Weisenstein.” (p. 276)
There is so much philosophy and wisdom wrapped up in this idealistic yet stoic statement, I almost can’t decide if I love it or hate it. I’ve decided for now that I feel both ways. I think it is exactly what Harriet needed to hear and yet, Ole Golly is a rare human if she never misses anyone. There is joy that comes only from seeing someone after you have missed them. Anyway, I could go on all day about “absence making the heart grow fonder” but her point is well taken. Don’t lie down in your memories of someone or something that can never be again, because you cannot reverse time, and worse, may miss out on the joy that will come again, unbidden and not too far from now, if you are ready to receive it.