I always end my column by writing that life is good today. Most days that is true.
For starters, I have the opportunity to live in a rural setting where folks look out for one another.
We know our neighbors, and we know when to help and when to back away.
The school gymnasiums are full for music or sporting events. Our kids still sing the National Anthem for half-time shows, and we still take pride in our country.
Our kids are generally raised to be respectful and with a Christian base.
Looking back, I know I was raised the same way in rural California.
We were taught to cherish the land, and to respect our parents and our God.
My folks came from humble beginnings, but with hard work and a lot of faith, they carved out for us a great life.
We didn’t have as much money as some families, yet most of the kids we knew wanted to spend time at our house.
My folks believed in sharing what they had.
I never saw them turn away anyone who needed help.
I’m making my annual trip to California soon. The goal of the trip is to reunite with my high school gal pals. We do a trip every year. I repeatedly feel blessed to still have my close friends. I also feel blessed that I’m healthy enough to continue this yearly trek across the country. Admittedly, I wonder how many more years I can do it.
Each chapter of our life brings change. What seemed insurmountable yesterday, somehow becomes no big deal today.
I recall some pretty lean years. Whenever I would find myself buried in worry, I’d remind myself that a year from that day, I wouldn’t remember why I was worried. It’s true. Life goes on, we shake it off, and move to the next chapter.
I’ve seen some sad times, and I’ve faced some pretty big obstacles in my lifetime, but at the end of the day or days, I can still say “Life is good today.” ■