Grandpa,
I saw a photograph of a tombstone with the inscription, “So remember me, and I will remember you.” The lady who owns the photo said it was her husband’s favorite quote from scriptures. I have searched through my concordance and cannot find it. My concordance only covers the KJV. Is this quotation from a more modern version? In what book, chapter, and verse can I find it?
Grandpa says: You will not find it in a concordance of the Bible. That is an English translation from the Quran, Surah Al-Baqarah 2:152. It is speaking about the relationship between God and his creation. It is one of the most beautiful sections of the Quran, a place where individuals of all faiths can find comfort.
Grandpa,
My sister-in-law is a gossip. So is her whole family (of origin). When my brother first brought her around to meet our family, we learned all there is to know about every person she has ever met. One cannot shut this (woman) up. And she pries for information to pass along. Well, my wife and I wanted to embarrass her so we made up a story that my brother, her husband, is (Grandpa is withholding this information for the sake of privacy of all involved). Sure enough, she blabbed the fake story all over town! My brother is very (not happy)! He is blaming us and not his blabber mouth wife. We just wanted to show him that she cannot be trusted. How do we clear this up and smooth things over?
Grandpa says: You can start by taking responsibility for what you did to start the rumor. Talk to your brother. Apologize to him and his wife. You wronged her, too, you know. Because you knew in advance that she prattles on, why would you need to prove to her husband that point? Do you honestly believe that he is blind to her quirks? What is it in you that convinces you that you must save him from being happily married? Then, write me back and explain to me why a gossip is less trustworthy than a blatant liar. I won’t print the letter simply because I don’t trust liars.
Grandpa,
With all the emotion that was raised last Summer about various parade topics, laws about who pays for what in a parade, the traffic tie ups, and so much more, I suggest that we have the parades in Aurora only in places like the County fairgrounds, Phillips Park, or other out-of-the-way locations. Then, only those interested in the topic will be inconvenienced by it.
Grandpa says: Let us ponder, for a moment, the economic impact on the downtown merchants when the streets are flooded with masses of people who normally are not downtown. And what will the city government do with all that extra sales tax revenue on the merchandise sold by the downtown shopkeepers? Then there is the comradery, the spirit of community sparked at mass social events such as parades. We must find ways to squelch that, right? You bring up an interesting point which I believe needs to be ignored further.
Got something stuck in your craw? Ask Grandpa. Address your letters to Ask Grandpa c/o The Voice, PO Box 123, Aurora, IL 60507 or send an E-mail to askgrandpa@thevoice.us.