Class

Certain circumstances in life cause many to go back in time to a quote, a movie scene, or dialogue in a novel.  For me, right now, I remember something the advice columnist Ann Landers wrote many years ago.  She addressed the issue of class with this (pardon me) classic column:

 Class by Ann Landers:

 Class never runs scared. It is surefooted and confident that it can handle whatever comes  along.

 Class has a sense of humor.  It knows that a good laugh is the best lubricant for oiling the  machinery of human relations.

 Class never makes excuses. It takes it lumps and learns from past mistakes.

 Class knows good manners are nothing more than a series of petty sacrifices.

 Class bespeaks an aristocracy unrelated to ancestors or money.  A blueblood can be  totally without class while the son of a Welsh miner may ooze class from every pore.

 Class can “walk with kings and keep its virtue and talk with crowds and keep the common  touch.” Everyone is comfortable with the person who has class because he/she is  comfortable with him/herself.

  I love this definition of class.  I also have my own version:

 As stated in the first description class is strength.  A person with class stands tall in the face of adversity.  They may be jello on the inside, but to all but their closest friends and family you would never know it.

Class builds up.  A person with class can see the better part of another person and relate from there.

Class admits mistakes. A person with class is not afraid to tell someone that she/he was wrong, no matter the cost. 

Class does not use its influence for selfish gain.  A person with class gives to their community, their friends and family.  I’m not talking about financially, but giving of themselves with genuine empathy and understanding.

I definitely don’t radiate class.  I know that.  I try as do most people I know. We try.  And it’s in the trying that you reach some sort of achievement.  The epitome of class eludes me.  The sincere relentless and resolute attempt is ongoing.