WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2021 TALES FROM GERMAN II

 WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2021 TALES FROM GERMAN II

I still am doing German language lessons on Duolingo.  I like the stories as they have some little life message.  Yesterday, it was two people looking at the same picture and having different viewpoints - and being able to disagree without being disagreeable.

Today’s lesson is “treasure”

Eduard has a map directing the reader to a treasure chest left by his great-grandfather.  “Um den verstecken Schatz zu finden, hat Eduard seine Frau und Kinder verlassen.” - which translates as” In order to find the hidden treasure, Eduard has left his wife and children.”.

Eduard has forsaken his family to find the treasure.  His focus is only on the riches he will have.  He isn’t listening to this wife and children, but going off on his own.

The great-grandfather’s note says “„seinem größten Schatz“ - His biggest treasure.

*****

I’m sure Eduard has visions of gold, silver, jewelry.  But, the great-grandfather has left a note:

“Ich hinterlasse dir dieses Stück Weisheit: Dies ist mein größter Schatz: meine Familie.”.  The English version is: “I leave you this piece of wisdom: This is my greatest treasure: my family.”

*****

So, Eduard has intentionally left his family in order to find his great-grandfather’s treasure.  He has been obsessed with this treasure - so focused on it that all else has died away.  

But, his great-grandfather says “My family is my greatest treasure”.

*****

There is an expression - ‘on a person’s death bed, nobody ever says I wish I would have spent more time at work’. Most say something like I wish I could have spent more time with my family, more time doing things I love.

What is your treasure?  

*****

“The Cats in the Cradle” song by Harry Chapin describes a day who is too busy to play catch with his son, too busy running around for his work.

“My child arrived just the other day

He came to the world in the usual way

But there were planes to catch, and bills to pay

He learned to walk while I was away

And he was talkin' 'fore I knew it

And as he grew, he'd say

"I'm gonna be like you, Dad

You know I'm gonna be like you"

*****

As the dad retires, he wants to build a relationship with his son.  The last stanza says:

I've long since retired, my son's moved away

I called him up just the other day

I said, "I'd like to see you if you don't mind"

He said, "I'd love to, Dad, if I could find the time"

"You see, my new job's a hassle and the kid's got the flu"

"But it's sure nice talkin' to you, Dad

It's been sure nice talkin' to you"

And as I hung up the phone, it occurred to me

He'd grown up just like me

My boy was just like me

*****

Yes, what is YOUR treasure? 

LOVE WINS!!!

Karen