By Brenda Cannon Henley
Recently I wrote about rescuing my little metal tub from surely going to the garbage dump at the hands of “She Who Must Be Obeyed.” My daughter was dead set on the goal of reducing clutter and extra things in our home before moving to our new location. I admit the tub is not in pristine condition and has a few Knicks and dents from years of fun use.
It has held many a soft drink, cooling water for a hot day at the beach, lemonade, and a melon or two. 
There is just something absolutely refreshing about filling it with drinks and pouring a bag of crushed ice over it to enjoy for several hours.
While writing the first column, I realized I knew little about the skill of galvanizing the metal surface to give years of use and wear. I was intrigued by what I learned about the process and compared it to what this crazy year of 2020 has taught us.
Many of us feel we have continually been in a serious galvanizing process as our lives have been hit by illness, loss or change of jobs, relocation, financial reversals, new, unplanned schedules, and the ever-present COVID 19 rules and regulations.
Some galvanizing can serve for good and often toughens us up and helps to equip us to face life’s challenges and expectations. I jokingly said to a friend one day last week, “I honestly did not expect the Golden Years to be so difficult. Getting older is not for sissies or the faint of heart.” He agreed and we both realized we were only marginally kidding. Losing ground health wise certainly is a part of the normal galvanizing process.
Losing those we love is another part of life we have come to recognize. Watching those we hold dear make dreadful mistakes can add a layer, while finances can continually ply on coatings.
We must be cautious not to allow this rather natural galvanizing process to overtake our kindness, love for others, willingness to help or render aid, give, serve, and put others first. If we do not keep a tight reign on what is happening in our own lives, and especially during the busy, holiday season, we will become calloused and uncaring. Our hearts cannot be touched. Is our heart tender, kind, and loving toward others or have our concern and empathy been completely galvanized?
Brenda Cannon Henley can be reached at 409 781 8788, or
[email protected]
[Dec-14-2020]
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