"Elementary, my dear Watson" is a phrase attributed to fictional detective Sherlock Holmes.Â
While Holmes never actually used the words quite that way, they’ve become commonplace when breaking down what should be the obvious. Still, they need to be repeated to those who, for whatever reason, can’t seem to grasp fully what continues to wreak havoc on the American people: deny, deflect and distract.
This destructive modus operandi continues to bring into its tight fold one after another after another whose priority is, quite simply, their own interests. The speed with which this tsunami is gathering propels those of us who continue to fight against it to move in all directions seeking some form of protection.
Unfortunately, our search is unending, as those in positions of power seem to snicker at our efforts, feeling certain that our growing exhaustion will eventually level us to where we will stop. They need to know in very certain terms that that will never happen. To counterattack their dehumanizing efforts, we will make certain that empathy and compassion and kindness will prevail, will endure.
Enter the unfolding of an event that I recently witnessed at a restaurant a few blocks from our apartment on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. It’s become a favorite for not only flavorful fare and exceptional service, but for the warm welcome extended to all who enter.
An elderly couple, both just shy of 100 years old (we were later told by our server) walked through the door and were greeted as if family and seated at a table. Their server recognized them, as he gently took the woman's walker and then just as gently took her hand and guided her safely to her banquette. She took her time to adjust, her husband sat down next to her (not across), and the server walked away without a hitch.
It was a reminder that what we bring to the table that has nothing to do with food. And as we watched them enjoy their dinner and wine, we acknowledged that, while the problems that plague each of us are real, what matters — what will always matter — is how we treat each other, with dignity and respect and a firm grasp on hope.
In the end, it is quite elementary. Don’t overthink it. And never, ever diminish its intrinsic value, because, if we lose it, we’ve lost everything. We’re often reminded that it is the youth who bring hope and yet, it was this very seasoned couple who, unknowingly, gifted it to each of us who dined in that restaurant on that particular evening when autumn was knocking at the door.
Kathleen Jacobs is an author and West Virginia native living in New York.
