With Memorial Day still fresh in my memory the word “legacy” keeps rumbling around in my brain. Especially I suppose because Trey Sommer’s legacy was discussed last Wednesday when he was my guest on the On-Air Chat. We fondly mentioned his grandparents – Charles and Elva Lee Wayman and his mom and dad, Karen and Stan Sommers, plus others.
Consequently, my parents have been on my mind since then with my mom’s legacy taking the dominant position. Unfortunately, too often she is remembered for her brave almost two-decade battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
I though, have not dwelled so much on her illness, but rather on a phrase she was prone to putting in play for all three of her children that suggested ”If you can’t say something nice don’t say anything at all.”
As the days passed I was motivated to learn the origin of my mother’s much-repeated phrase. I think you will be amused.
It comes from the Disney movie “Bambi” released in 1942.
Bambi a newly born baby deer was experiencing difficulty learning to use her brand new legs on an icy patch and in the presence of a baby rabbit named – Thumper who made fun of Bambi’s difficulties. Observing Thumper making fun of Bambi his mother admonished him suggesting he remember what his dad always told him.
A very sheepish Thumper slowly recited his father’s instructions: If you can’t say sometin’ nice don’t say nothin’ at all.
Thanks to Thumper for his timely advice and now one final thought: Wouldn’t it be nice if our American politicians – especially the national ones – took Thumper’s advice – this could be a much kinder world. Thanks, mom.
I’m Steve Sauder
