“You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.” Ralph Waldo Emerson My non-verbal facial reaction and slightly audible ‘hmmm’ from our seats in the back row of the audience informs Carol, my wife, of my chagrin for the facilitation of this particular part of the marriage preparation weekend being presented by the other couple teaming with us. Roger and Dottie are propounding instructions for a non-scheduled, unwelcomed outline change. Instead of the … [Read more...]
Postponement
“You may delay, but time will not.” Benjamin Franklin He looked at the chart notes the nurse had written, documenting my vital statistics – weight and blood pressure. With his usual smile to which I had become accustomed nowhere to be found, he stated haunting words I will remember the rest of my life: “Rob, you are headed for diabetes, stroke and early death.” The words landed on me like a giant wave crashing on the beach! Stunned, I could hardly catch my breath while trying to comprehend … [Read more...]
Don’t Waste Your Life
I believe every human has a finite number of heartbeats. I don’t intend to waste any of mine.” Maj. Gen. Neil A. Armstrong (USAF, Ret.) My wife Carol and I are enjoying, with family and friends, Jimmy Buffett in concert at The Wharf in Orange Beach. Even though his origin as a well-known entertainer was in the early 70s, there are, surprisingly, many young people in attendance at this performance. I guess parents are passing on ‘their music’ from t. hat bygone era. One of Buffett’s … [Read more...]
The Bombardier
“At times, our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.” Albert Schweitzer, M.D., Ph.D. The explosive sound of sharp shrapnel piercing the thick metal signifies that his plane has been hit – struck multiple times. Damage is substantial. A certain crash is impending. As a bombardier, he automatically performs the first task that he was taught in training: immediately … [Read more...]
Pay Attention
“Even the simplest actions you take . . . matter beyond measure . . . and they matter forever.” Andy Andrews Source: The Noticer Close calls in death are not the only big moments we forever remember. Special occasions are usually not forgotten. Weddings, graduations, awards, games, birthdays, et cetera -- the list goes on. Within a single instant, we can remember when life changed for us. What about that moment when we learned an invaluable life lesson? If we add the close calls, plus … [Read more...]
Long Hair
“How did you go bankrupt?” ‘Two ways. Gradually, then suddenly.’ ~ Ernest Hemingway, The Sun Also Rises “I’m not crazy. I have just been in a bad mood for 40 years!” bellows Quiser Bordeaux, the character portrayed by Shirley MacLaine in the popular 1989 movie, Steel Magnolias. My wife Carol loves this quote and I have heard her exclaim it on more than a few occasions when attitude was the central topic of a conversation. All of us have witnessed … [Read more...]
The Gold In Our Goldmine
“A true photograph need not be explained, nor can it be contained in words.” Ansel Adams I admit that I have forgotten a lot. Blame it on math. There is just too much stuff to remember. Of the 8,760 hours in a year, we will be awake for over 5,000 of those hours and would be challenged if asked to remember even 300, unless we are a memory champion. Would it be nice if we had a system that could pull up any hour of any day from the past? I can think of a few moments that I would want to … [Read more...]
Down on the Bayou
“That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” ~ Neil Armstrong, astronaut and first man on the moon My Louisiana cousins suggest that we go catch crawfish. Growing up in Birmingham, Alabama, with no prior crawfish expedition experience, I jump at the chance for this new, first time adventure. I have eaten these tasty mudbugs many times with my relatives at the camp in Slidell, the location of our annual vacation trip. This trip is a promise my dad made to my mom before they … [Read more...]
The Phone Call
I look at the screen of my cell phone that is now ringing. Fifteen minutes earlier, my wife Carol had left for the local Wal-Mart. The screen indicates that she is calling. She probably wants to ask about something I might need from the store. Over the years, we have averaged one phone call anytime one of us goes solo to the store. It is our normal routine. Making lists and checking them twice does not stop the phone call. You can depend on it. One of us will remember something that needs to be … [Read more...]
Detour
Please, not another detour! In the middle of something we regard as important, we are sidetracked by another issue. The interruption takes over and we abandon the original thing we were doing. We use terms like distraction, diversion and disruption. Even those terms may be inadequate for our description. A more accurate representation, at times, might be found in words like irritation, annoyance or interference. For me, the word ‘frustration’ seems to really fit. What would be your word or … [Read more...]
