RENAISSANCE

This page is actually a renaissance, as I have no idea where my original writing disappeared on my computer. I had to start all over again and try to pick up the pieces…I guess it’s rather funny, when you look at the meaning of the word “Renaissance.”

My granddaughter in 6^th grade is studying Latin, and loves to test me on phrases she has learned, so I decided to text her to see if she knew what Latin word was the root of the English word “Renaissance”. Being the literal girl that she is, her answer came back “no”… another reason for laughter.

From my French lessons in High School I recalled the word “Renaitre”…to be born again. The Latin origin of the word, “Renasci”… “Re” meaning back again, and “Nasci” to be born.

The word played on my mind as I passed by the Renaissance Mall…which is fairly new.  I thought about Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo and remembered they were born in the mid 1400’s. The English word Renaissance came into being, after the fact, describing the period from the 14^th to 17^th centuries. I wondered when the printing press was invented… (Yes all this during the drive past the Renaissance Mall). I knew the inventor was Johannes Gutenberg, and in researching it found he invented it just before Da Vinci and Michelangelo were born. Wheels in motion… now the common man had access to treasures of information he had not dreamt about in the Dark Ages…the period just before the Renaissance.

 Past eras are defined by Historians who determine what happened long after ages have passed. It is a reflective procedure, and one I tend to think about today. I see bolder, more involved, interested, excited and energetic people of all ages making things happen… enlightenment in action. Is the internet the new printing press? Is Latin making an early comeback? Are we defining a new renaissance, or are we still ignorant of our own capabilities?

I've heard the Dark Ages described as the root of a plant, thriving in the dark until the flower presents itself to the light of day…the Renaissance. Can we have one without the other?

Relationships have to be born over and over again if they are to thrive…sometimes they are part of the “dark ages” and other times part of the “renaissance”. My extra large family makes it difficult to keep pace with all the adventures and misadventures of everyone since most live so far away. I value all the treasures that were invented to stay connected…the airplanes that brought my family up close and personal this year… the technology that gives an instant picture of those who choose to share. 

The text came in “Pregnancy redefined…Aka little miracles”, along with a photo of the newborn son of my niece and her husband. What kind of renaissance will this little one bring out in those he encounters? Will he know that he represents the beauty of the world, and all of its blessings? As I studied his face and hands…the only parts visible in a sea of white blanket he captured my heart. Will he know his Great Aunt thought he was special?

I guess he might read this one day…in time.