My long time R&R

The letters R&R represent a very recognizable jargon in our culture and language. The initials are used with such regularity, that most of us never speak or write the actual words -- Rest and Relaxation. My own R&R has an additional personal translation -- "Reading and Rain!"

The origins of R&R date back to World War II. There were different words used for the second "R." Wikipedia lists a couple of other words -- recreation or recuperation, as common substitutions for relaxation. Regardless of which was used, they all had basically the same intent. After soldiers had been in combat or other stressful situations for protracted periods of time, it was considered a therapeutic medical necessity, to send them back for R&R.

To complete this process, the military provided a wide range of offerings. Sometimes it was simply to send the men away from the battlefield. Hot showers, food, and a safe secure place to rest, were considered absolute necessities.

Often the military men of that era were hosted by the USO (United Service Organization). It was a private, nonprofit, non-partisan organization, whose stated goals were "to support the troops by providing moral, welfare and recreation-type services to our Men..."

I remember a story my mother told me about that organization. She was traveling across the country on a train, to follow my father to a new base. During the war, the trains were filled to the bursting point. Servicemen and women were given the highest priority of available seating.

She was lucky, that she had her suitcase with her, which she used for a seat, since nothing else was available. The soldiers in her car were very protective of her, when they learned that my father was in the service too.

The train was so packed, that it was impossible for anyone in their car to get a meal. At a town where the train stopped, one of the soldiers got off and went to the local USO. He returned a couple of minutes later with a donut resting on each of his fingers. It was the only meal that any of them were to obtain on the entire trip. Hot coffee and donuts were to be found at almost every USO anywhere in the world. During that time, nothing was more important to Americans, than supporting our men and women in arms.

We still have the USO, but our military has made the R&R for our troops, a priority of the Defense Department. They provide a wide range of offerings. One of my all time favorites was the annual Bob Hope Christmas USO show tour.

In this day and age, R&R has become a part and parcel of life for even non-military people. It's very much like another term -- "TGIF." We all know that stands for "Thank God it's Friday," just as everyone knows the implied meaning of "R&R."

The idea for this article came to me, as I sat at my office desk early one morning. I had noticed through the window, that we were experiencing, an early morning April thunderstorm. I watched the raindrops pounding on the driveway in front of the house, and I could hear and see the thunder and lightning. It reminded me of another time, as my mind wandered back to an April, from my distant past.

I was still in junior high school at the time. I remember clearly, that it was a rainy April weekend. I loved reading a lot. I chanced to pick up my mother's copy of "Gone With the Wind," by Margaret Mitchell.

I had seen the movie a couple of years earlier, but had never attempted to read the novel. Over the next two days, I devoured the better part of that legendary story.

Since I had seen the movie, I was able to actually connect the characters in the novel, with the faces from the movie. I have subsequently followed the same pattern, with other book and movie adaptations. There is no way I could ever imagine the characters in the book, with any other resemblances.

If you have never read the book, I suggest you take the time to do so. It is an American classic. One should note, that Mitchell's perspective is slanted with a different outlook on that era in history. The slave life in "Gone With the Wind," was certainly a far cry from the reality of real slavery in the south.

Despite those obvious issues, the novel is a love story that is timeless. The plot is one that lets the reader see what the characters in the book cannot. You find yourself hoping that Scarlett O'Hara will open her eyes, and see who she really loves.

The ending of the book is perhaps the most famous in all literary history. I don't want to ruin it for those very few who have not read the book or seen the movie, but at the finish, you will find yourself wishing for...

Now there are some who would find my long rainy weekend, curled up with that good book, a boring waste of time. Well R&R is like beauty, "it is in the eye of the beholder!"

For me, and millions of others, a good read is like an elixir. It gives my soul a gift of pleasure and fulfillment. Add in the rainy weekend, and that is about as perfect as it can get for me.

Your own R&R may be quite different. That's the point. Each and every one of us needs the renewing comfort of R&R, regardless of the type.

For you see another old adage perhaps says it best -- "all work and no play, makes Jack a very dull boy!" So Jack, rest, relax, recuperate, or recreate. We all deserve some R&R.