Monographs 2002
December 5, 2002
I am amazed at how quickly time passes. I noticed that the busier I am, the less I enjoy life...but the faster time goes. At this rate it will be next year in less than the blink of an eye. What has been so important as to keep me so busy that time passes at this rate? I really can't remember, but I am sure that it was important at the moment.
The last four months were spent working toward getting Mary's Mom settled into her new residence. This was a major decision on her part, but accepted by the family as a good one. That was the easy part. Next began the stressful part. Deciding what to move to the new place, what to give to family and friends, what to sell, and what to toss occupied the family's time until the end of September. Then came the moving "month and a half." This is time between "the day" when the furniture was relocated and the day it became apparent to most observers that there was no more room to put anything in the new place.
After 56 years of living in one house, and collecting so many treasures, how can one decide what to keep and what to part with? Tough choices for sure. One solution was to "pass" certain items on to family and friends for their enjoyment. One solution was to "sell" certain items to people you know or to strangers that need more stuff in their lives. (We all liked this solution.) Some items didn't find a new place and went on to that final resting place in Astatula. It does not matter, except to say that now that this is completed she can begin to enjoy life again.
A good lesson for all. Don't complicate your life with so much stuff you are not able to enjoy living. So Julie & Jessie, I'll try to un-complicate your lives before my time here is over.
And to my friends who remain, Thanks for stopping by.
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I Believe November 1, 2002
For the past few years I have thought a lot about what I really believe. I have always admired those that were able to put their beliefs into a few words. What they stand for and what they won't stand for, is an indication of their character. Their character is reflected in their day to day life.This isn't original with me, and I'm not sure who the author is, but when I read it, I liked it and wanted to share it with you because it is important to me that I be accountable for my beliefs. Some conclusions are reached the hard way, and are so against my grain I still struggle with them. Some are easy, like breathing in and out. So read on and let me know if you agree or not.
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I believe-that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become. |
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I believe-that no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that. |
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I believe-that just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have. |
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I believe-that true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love. |
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I believe-that it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be. |
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I believe-that you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them. |
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I believe-that you can keep going, long after you can't. |
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I believe-that we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel. |
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I believe-that either you control your attitude or it controls you. |
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I believe-that heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences. |
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I believe-that money is a lousy way of keeping score. |
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I believe-that my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time. |
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I believe-that sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down, will be the ones to help you get back up. |
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I believe-that sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel. |
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I believe-that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated. |
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I believe-that it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself. |
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I believe-that no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief. |
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I believe-that just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do. |
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I believe-that two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different. |
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I believe-that everyone who wants to have a successful life can, if they believe in themselves. |
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I believe-that your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you. |
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I believe-that even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you, you will find the strength to help. |
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I believe-that credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being. |
And to my friends who remain, Thanks for stopping by.
In Dependence on God September 20, 2002
There have been times in my life that, I am ashamed to say, I have shown a great "independence from God". As most people do at some time in their life I have tried to take "control" of my life only to fail miserably and find that once again I am "In Dependence on God."
Strangely I find that my life functions better in this state of Dependence. Still I struggle with getting to this point, but I am reminded that the who has his eye on the sparrow, has his hand on me. Now if only I can keep from taking back control. Life is tough. And it isn't always fair. Take strength in knowing you are not in it alone. I am so glad that I can also be "In Dependence on God".
And to my friends who remain, Thanks for stopping by.
God bless
Marking Time September 11, 2002
Have we started marking time by the events of a year ago? I wanted to begin this thought with "Another year has passed", but that gave me pause to stop and think why I would begin that way. Most of us have unwittingly begun to think of the attack on the United States as a starting point and reference the events of our lives as pre or post 9/11. The news media has played a profound part in creating that image for us. Scarcely a day passes that we aren't reminded in one form or another of the tragedy of the day.
We ask ourselves why it happened, why do others dislike the United States so much, and why weren't we able to prevent it? We blame it on the lack of foreign intelligence, an inability of government agencies to share information or on the perception that the USA somehow was due to "get their due".
Why is it that Americans cannot look at this for what it is? Why do we have to accept or share any part of the blame in this? God knows our standard of living has to be at fault. After all we don't ever think of anyone but ourselves. Americans tend to look for the good in all people, so if something bad happens it must be our fault. Could if be that those that planned this are just plain EVIL? Let us recognize it for what it is and do our part to rid the world of it.
America has always shown it's true colors. This past year wasn't any different. It has shown the world what it holds dear. Life, family, friends and strangers. People helping others, giving freely of their resources to those that are in need. We have always done that, individually and as a Nation.
AMERICA, don't fall apart now. Keep your resolve and see it through. Good must and will endure. Let's don't just mark time.
And to my friends who remain, Thanks for stopping by.
God bless,
Happiness, Joy and Other Good Feelings August 14, 2002
I've had a few surprises this past week, our youngest came home for an all too brief time before school starts again in September. She had spent the majority of the summer on an Outreach Program in South Carolina. A part of the requirement for the program was to get and keep a day job. She worked as a housekeeper at a family resort. Imagine that! My daughter whose room here at home was condemned by the department of health on nine separate occasions and required under a court order by the Environmental Protection Agency to have the door closed at all times, spent the summer cleaning hotel rooms for other people. The surprise wasn't that she did it, but rather, from the the stories I hear, that she seemed to enjoy the work. Probably not enough to make it a career of it (after all she is attending a fine liberal arts college in South Carolina) but I sensed a feeling of accomplishment on her part.
As for me, I was pleased to realize that the summer was more than just hard work. Our talks helped me to realize her understanding and appreciation for the things that unseen and unknown people do for her. So many more things she has learned. No matter though, each time she says "Thanks, Dad", I am filled with Happiness, Joy, and Other Good Feelings.
And to my friends who remain, Thanks for stopping by.
God bless,
Summertime July 26, 2002
Summertime and the living is easy, or so we are told. For sure the routine tends to be a bit different from the rest of the year, especially if children are involved. They tend to make summertime full of adventure and excitement with all the activities they have to be involved in and places they have to go. But for the first time in 23 years we are childless for the summer. Each has their work and play away from Eustis this year. Until recently I wouldn't have thought it to be such a big deal. It just seems quiet around the house this summer. None of their friends coming by and no need to consult with them on our plans. I found that I still have a few perfectly good "Don't be too late getting in tonight" speeches in my repertoire, which will go to waste since Mary usually is usually in bed by 10:00pm.
So I'll take it as it is for now, and let the living be easy, Just as soon as I mow the lawn (for the second time this week), pressure clean the driveway and sidewalks, clean the leaves off the roof, install the landscape timbers around the porch, wash the cars ,mend the irrigation system, and did I say mow the lawn again.
How about Wintertime and the living is easy?
And to my friends who remain, Thanks for stopping by.
God bless,
Old Soldiers Never Die June 20, 2002
From time to time I do a bit of computer training and consulting apart from my regular job. Not that I am any great wizard with these things but I do understand what make most of them tick. Occasionally I run across a problem that will stump me and I have to dig into the books for an answer. I can usually resolve a problem though it may take a while.
The point is I don't usually give up. This week I was reminded that we can't give up on living just because we are getting older.
I met a retired Marine Corps Colonel (if there is such a thing as a retired Marine) who is approaching 79 years old. We talked about his service and places he'd been. (He even knew about Camp McTureous in Okinawa, named after my father-in-laws first cousin, and the Congressional Medal of Honor he was awarded after his death.) A few months ago his daughter and son-in-law had given him a new computer to use for sending email, pictures and writing letters. At 79 you might think "Why did they waste the money?... he's too old and (because he is a Marine) set in his ways." If you thought that you'd be wrong. I realized that he wasn't 79 years old .... he was 79 years young. He was anxious to get the computer set up and tested so he could begin using it, even though he didn't understand everything about it. (That is why he hired me.)
He isn't interested in slowing down any despite having fought in 3 wars, and having served his country for 30 years 10 months and 5 days. How do I know he doesn't want to rest despite his bad back and advancing years? Simple. He is calling the cable company today for high speed access. No dialup service for the Colonel. Life shouldn't pass us by. Enjoy it.
And to my friends who remain, Thanks for stopping by.
God bless,
Moving On! June 10, 2002
May was an interesting month for me. Because of the death of a friend and the news of the tragic death of another, I began thinking of it as the Omega rather than ALPHA!! At any rate I am now ready to focus on other things of interest.
I had spoken once of the feeling that I had lost my religion. Which now seems to be a good thing. That has freed me to concentrate on the relationship rather than the other trappings that sometimes get dragged into the mess. This is not to say that I am in a perfect relationship but rather one continually under construction. Sometimes I feel like the two carpenters on "Green Acres", with the right intentions in building the relationship as I envision it, but having Him come along and say "Don, let's get rid of this...we can build a better relationship." Of course He is always right and so I am always under construction.
I have been reminded recently of His ability to provide when He is asked. I need those reminders to focus on His loving generosity in all phases of life. I am learning to look forward to His Divine Provision!
Too much of life is overlooked. God is in the details, pay attention!
And to my friends who remain, Thanks for stopping by.
God Bless,
Another Year Older? May 31, 2002
I am at a point in my life that I seem to be a bit more introspective than usual. I have often been accused, and rightly so, of being uncaring. It isn't that I don't care, I am just focused and unaware of some of the things around me. Lately I have realized that and have made a conscious effort to change. So if you think I am acting strange or out of character it is because I am changing.
This last year I have remarked to several friends that I have lost my religion. Don't misunderstand me, I am still a believer in Christ, I simply haven't had a clear picture of things. I spend time reevaluating my life and relationships, looking for the focus to return.
This past year has seen many changes. My elder daughter graduating from college and starting out on her own. My younger daughter starting college and facing that adventure anxiously. Maybe it is just the empty nest, and maybe I am trying to find me again. I remember the me that had no responsibility to others, he wasn't a bad kind of guy to be around. He loved life, but in a different way than now.
I wouldn't take anything for the past 30 years. I got to know a wonderful woman and had a part in raising two great children. They are my focus and my reason for being.
SO! Where does life take me from here? Who knows, but soon I'll be focused and ready.... It may just take me a bit longer to get there.
And to my friends who remain, Thanks for stopping by.
God bless,
Only the Good Die Young! May 23, 2002
The Internet is an amazing tool. I have spent many hours finding interesting websites and useful information, not to mention keeping in touch with family and friends. Sometimes I think I get too anxious to keep up with friends from afar and not from a hands on personal approach. Often the exchange is polite and light. Sometimes the one-sided conversation falls on deaf ears, and my most excellent wise advice is not taken. That doesn't bother me for I don't always follow the advice given me.
This week the internet has brought a few twists to my life. Mostly the kind of twists that make you raise one eyebrow and say "How about that." One however has made me start to examine my life and what and who I deem important.
I had long wanted to have my university open up their graduate directory and make it accessible from the internet (for free of course). They did. The alumni association sent me an email with an authorization number. All I had to do was to visit the site and register my username and password.
As I searched the list to see where old friends are now and what they are doing with their lives, I ran across the name of a girlfriend. I knew she had married and settled in North Carolina and enjoyed a career. I knew her husband had a plane and enjoyed flying. This I knew from before. Now I knew she was deceased. WHAT? Could that be right? HOW? WHEN? Lot's of questions and no answers. Once again I searched the internet. What is the newspaper in Raleigh? Would I be able to search it? Moments later I knew the entire story.
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April 3, 2002 The News & Observer
Raleigh couple died in weekend plane crash
From Staff Reports
APEX -- The victims of Sunday's (March 31, 2002)plane crash near Apex were
identified Tuesday as L.M.S, Jr., 47, and his wife, D.H.S, 48, of Raleigh.
He was a marketing manager at a major equipment company in Cary. She worked as
an agricultural marketing specialist with the N.C. Department of Agriculture and
Consumer Services. The bodies were identified by a state medical examiner
through dental records."
I am still digesting the events of that day. It is with some sadness that I write of this. Not because of any burning embers for her, no it's just that no one deserves to die in that manner, or that young, or without saying good-bye to her Mom and Dad, or her friends. When I knew her she was a fine person and despite the inconsiderate way we parted, a very classy woman.
Times change, and people do too. I choose to remember her this way. Maybe I was lucky enough to be remember for the man I could become. God bless you both.
And to my friends who remain, Thanks for stopping by.
God bless,
Death of a Friend May 14, 2002
I lost a friend this week. I suppose that as I get older I should start to expect this to be a regular occurrence. Still I was shocked on Monday when I found out about his passing. I could always count on him for a big smile and a good word. We weren't close friends, but we were old friends, our paths first crossing about 18 or so years ago, when we worked for the same company. After I changed to my present job, he walked in one day looking for work. He hadn't changed in those years, as far as I could tell.
Monday I was to spend time with the crew he worked on, To talk about working safely and taking care of ourselves in the heat. Saturday I'll spend time saying good-bye. Somehow it won't be the same. God bless you Jesse. Thanks for your friendship.
And to my friends who remain, Thanks for stopping by.
God bless,
Bicycling April 24, 2002
As most of you know by now I started bicycling in October for both health and recreation. I usually ride somewhere in the neighborhood of 30 miles on Saturday or Sunday. I also try to ride during the week as well. Although I have shed about 15 pounds, I have also noticed that I don't run out of breath as soon and a few of my muscles are actually beginning to look toned.
I have to give some credit to my riding partner Troy. If not for him I'd probably given it up, but thanks to his encouragement, I look forwarding to riding. And for those of you that noticed the difference in my appearance (and you know who you are Debbie) a big Thank You. That also inspires me to continue. I've still miles to go before I get to where I'd like to be, but I did not get in this shape in one day so it may take a while to get there.
Another plus from all of this is the friends and acquaintances we have made on the trail. We often wind up having long conversations with other riders and rollerbladers.
So here I am showing off a bit for the camera.
Thanks for stopping by.
Don