MY MOTHER, WILLY LOMAN, AND A CONTEST FOR YOU

Before I saw Death of Salesman with Lee J. Cobb, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and the other Willys in between or even read the play, my mother told me about a particular scene. Willy, waiting in the reception area of Charley’s office for him, is talking to Bernard, Charley’s son. Bernard, headed to Washington, stopped in to see his dad.

When Charley emerged, he sends Bernard off with his best wishes, then turns to Willy and says, “Is that something? He’s trying a case before the Supreme Court.”

Willy is incredulous. Bernard hadn’t mentioned that to him when they spoke. “The Supreme Court!” he says. “He didn’t tell me.”

Charley’s response was what Mom wanted me to hear. “He didn’t have to. He’s going to do it.”

Didn’t talk about it. Gonna do it. Truly life’s great divide. Those who work and accomplish don’t yap. And those who yap don’t do.

Talk about great writers and truth telling. Talk about nourishment from Mom. I could forgive her canned and frozen vegetables. She fed me nurturing lines.

CONTEST: How about you? In the comment section below, share in 35 words or less a truth or lesson, your mother or a mother figure (eg. aunt, grandmother, friend’s mother, mother’s friend) imparted directly, inadvertently or through her behavior that you treasure. Two judges will pick a winner. They will not consider entries over 35 words.

The results will be posted here on Tuesday, May 12.

LOVE ‘N STUFF,

Nancy