WORDS THAT HAVE ALWAYS HAUNTED ME

These words from William Shakespeare's "As You Like It" have always haunted me over the years:

"All the world's a stage
And all the men and women merely players.
They have their exits and their entrances;
And one man (woman) in his (her) time plays many parts."

To keep up with modern times I of course added the 'woman' and 'her' to the last line. Many peope are very particular these days about the use of the word 'man' as pertaining to men and women, i.e. mankind etc. I really think one can go too far trying to constantly be politically correct but I do try to make allowances for modern attitudes when I think it pertinent to do so.

The quoted words have always reminded me that we are indeed only players upon a very, very large stage; we arrive and we go and whilst here we do indeed play many, many parts. I in my time have been a daughter, bridesmaid, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother not to forget the time when I was also a secretary, stenographer etc., during my working years.

I have also been a confidante to friends in trouble and hope I have been able to help them in some small way. I've always been a good listener so perhaps that is why people I've known have often come to be with their woes.

In the home I have been a cook, nurse, dressmaker, babysitter, cleaner, washerwoman, gardener etc. etc. etc.

I have done nothing outstanding during my 78 years compared with so many wonderful people in the world, including my adoptive mother who in her later life did so many great things in order to help people. She played many more parts than I have ever played. She made her entrance and eventually her exit but she filled those years wonderfuly well right through to her 80s and I feel tiny compared with her achievements.

Whatever it is I have done I have always tried to do as well as I can although my best is not perhaps always as good as it could or should be but I am who I am and nothing can change that.

I wonder if this quote from Shakespeare has the same affect on others as it has always had on me. Do let me know what you think of it. I would be most interested to know your thoughts.