A fresh start
paradise
noun
par·a·dise ˈper-ə-ˌdīs
ˈpa-rə-ˌdīz,
: an intermediate place or state where the souls of the righteous await resurrection and the final judgment
c
: heaven
2
: a place or state of bliss, felicity, or delight
Yes, time for a new category to replace that C one that has been haunting this site for far too long.
I genuinely feel that life has changed, and changed so radically it’s hard to describe.
I hope to be writing a lot more about Paradise in the times to come. Incidentally, it’s not a religious thing though I can understand why the religious may want to grab the word for themselves.
My Paradise has a much simpler definition..
It is the opposite of hell.
My ‘paradise’ is a state of mind when everything’s as good as it can be. Doesn’t happen often.
It’s happening here and now.
I congratulate you Grandad, making the best possible use of a situation that is somewhat less than ideal, shall we say.
The French used to wish each other, when they parted at the end of the New Year’s festivities, “Bonne nuit, bonne année et le Paradis à la fin de vos jours!” (‘Good night, a good year and Paradise at the end of your days’)
These days the sentiment is regarded as somewhat quaint and over-pious but I think you’re right about the non-religious angle; it’s a wish I think should be expressed much more often and in a broader context.
(incidentally, I learned it from a French-trained Irish nun who described it as ‘a lovely thing’; is there a corresponding Irish phrase out there? I rather feel there ought to be.)
Paradise should be a time without fear, and I want you to feel no anxiety.
Your being and body knows that you have a short calendar, so will adjust your thoughts to meet the requirements for peace, and possibly another era of time here – or maybe elsewhere – who knows!
Whatever! Your humour has enlightened me over these years, so make the most of what you’re still giving us!
Keep on in there you auld so and so as me father used to say.