As 2017 comes to a close one thing keeps coming back to me. Be kind. This is my goal in life; be kind and spread kindness. I truly believe in paying if forward; that kindness begets kindness. It is the one thing that is free to give away and grows from that. Keep kindness in your heart as we move into 2018.
As we begin to sit down around our fabulous tree tonight and tomorrow, keep in mind that it is more than getting the best new widget. It is a season of giving. Beyond giving to family and friends we should focus on strangers. To the people we are completely apart from those are who we should give the most. For truly they will need it the most. I have always said that the kindness of strangers makes a healthy world. Hope you have a very happy Christmas. Stay safe and warm.
I am here. Where we once were together. Its been so long I didn’t think I would think of you. But the memories come flooding in. I’m near to drowning. To take a breath is to risk a rise in the water.
I was at the place we spent long nights and early mornings. Your ghost haunted me as I walked the streets. Your words were whispered on the breeze. If I look just right you are silhouetted in the setting sun. I called your name.
I met someone who lives where you do. Or where you once did. Being near to them made you near. Do you feel my presence? Do you know how close I am standing? I can touch you.
After so long how you torment me still. The miss of your touch, your voice, your smell makes me weak and near to dieing. We shall never see each other again. However, in my memories you will never die. You are now immortal, sucking my life from me.
Over the last few days, I was away and had a friend watch my cats. While I was gone this person not only entertained my kitties but also clean up after them. While I was annoyed to come home and see things out of place I was trying to be grateful to their help. However, the door to the bathroom was closed and I was very frustrated as I requested that this door always stay open. Upon opening the door, perhaps in an exasperated way, I found a bouquet of flowers and a note apologizing for closing the door but concerned the cats would eat the flowers before I got home. Needless to say, I was very humbled. Here I was all bent out of shape over something as silly as a closed door. Try to keep an open heart people! Work to keep your inter-peace and not sweat the small things.
So I might have peeled out of the parking lot and slid sideways into Walmart’s lot but I made it in one piece. I went through the clothes section in record time finding what I could make work. The person that should have been at the fitting rooms decide that now would be a great time to be missing. I might have limbo-ed under the door and changed into my new clothes. I then walked to the register and give her the tags. I didn’t even get an odd look. Guess its not that uncommon for people to wear purchases out of the store. I made it back to my brother’s school in 15 minutes. Record time!
We then sat through the most droll speeches about how great the school is doing and how wonderful the students are. I could have taken a nap. I probably needed one. We finally made it to the diploma presentation time. I was able to make it onto the stage and present it to my brother with out tripping, fainting, or crying. I think that is a great accomplishment if you ask me. There was much fanfare and hand shaking and we were done. It went by in a huge rush. Mom and I returned to the hotel while my brother finished his day. His girlfriend decided that we were not invited to dinner because, “its the last time I’ll see him in…I don’t know.” Peeved and tired, mom and I went to dinner on our own. The following few days followed in about the same way. We went to local sites and did the touristy stuff. My brother still the egotistical person he always have been.
It was very disheartening to feel I put all this effort into being here and there was no appreciation shown. Oh well. Family right?! I am very glad to have made the trip. It brought back memories from my time at the same academy. I look forward to seeing how my brother progresses from here. I know it wont be easy. My mom drove back to Georgia in 30 hours. I hate when she does these straight through drives. She made it safe and sound. I flew back and made it just in time for 8 inches of snow. However, today is bright, sunny, and looking warm. It is not warm by any means though. Back to the grind stone, I guess.
We’ll its been a long few days. I left Maine Tuesday to attend and to present a diploma to my brother at his academy graduation. A bit of stress to beat the weather as I leave the Northeast. If you want an extremely restricted plane ticket fly with American Airlines. My normal carry on bag was not accepted. This bag that had my business suit needed to be in his graduation. I gave it up, paying of course, with the expectation that it would arrive at the other side. First fight was fine but that was the last of my good luck. My second flight was delayed because someone forgot something at the gate and we waited for it to be brought out. That delay cut my 40min layover down to 5 mins. I didn’t make that next flight. At this point I had been awake for 14 hours and only eaten once. The option was to wait until tomorrow or go to the next closest city…3 hours from my orignal destination. I chose the latter. In my wait I met a woman in the same boat and coming from almost the same area. Small world. We flew our detoured flight and rented a car together. My bag, which I wouldn’t have normally checked, didn’t make it.
The feeling of devastation is almost indescribable. I felt I left my brother down. I should have been more prepared and kept my important items with me. I was exhausted and near to tears. I finally got to my final city at 9:30pm. The price for a rental car was so inflated I could have rented a car for 2 weeks for the same price. But what can you do?! We started the our three hour trip. It was drizzley and we were going up in elevation. The concern for snow or ice. However, my copilot was a good conversationist. And we made the hotel about 1:30 in the morning.
The next morning we were to be at the academy by 6:30am. So after about 3 fitfull hours I dressed in the same clothes of the day before and despaired my lost…er…delayed luggage. Their morning inspection was so wonderful. Its the first time I’ve gotten to see my lil’ bro in his dress clothes. He came to me after inspection and told me if I ran to Walmart and got some nice clothes I might still be able to present.
Runners; set, ready, GO!
Its been a very stressful week. In the midst of it all I am trying to stay positive and focused. It’s not easy. We all must work to “be in the storm but not affected by it.” I heard this phrase in a speech give by a police chief. While his statement was nearly lost in the longevity of his presentation it is, none the less, wise words.
I was having a hard time coming up with something encouraging to write today. It wasn’t that I was discouraged. Just not very inspired. I went housing hunting this weekend and was extremely disappointed in what was offered. I wanted to go home and wallow in this frustration. When you see yourself going that direction make sure you bring yourself back up. I allowed a moment of pity and then told myself to start looking for other options. Its ok to get knocked down but it is most important to get back up!
Wow I was thinking OMG I haven’t read anything. Which, of course, is totally not true. I have read a lot but I have also been super busy too.
Divergent by Veronica Roth: Fantastic post-apocalyptic story with a conflicted but strong female lead. I actually liked this one much better then Hunger Games as I feel it isn’t as depressing. However, it didn’t do well in theaters.
The Forever War by Joe Haldeman: A somewhat vulgar classic Sci-fi that talks about the training and war in space and life once you come home. The story flows well and the characters begin to show depth as the story unfolds. Not your typical deep thinking story of that era but enjoyable none the less.
The Bone Clock by David C. Mitchell: If you have seen/read Cloud Atlas you know what you are in for. This story jumps around and makes many twists and turns. There is a lot to keep track of and takes a bit of dedication.
Star Of Grace 