Sad Day...

I learned day before yesterday that a longtime friend from High School days that I had been looking for over the past few years died in August... and it has me thinking...
I have been thinking about the many people who have impacted my life over the 40 years I have lived so far. So many have helped to shape the man I am today, and for that, I am grateful. I am richer for having known each one. For some time now, I have been looking for many of them, to tell them just how much they meant and mean to me, and what a difference they made in my life, just through the way they treated me, the things they said and did, and the example they lived. As time passes, more and more of them will have passed on.

I pray that I do not miss another opportunity.

Missy, I would love to be able to tell you how very special and precious you will always be to my heart. During the most awkward and difficult and lonely time in my life, you were a true friend. I looked for you to tell you, but by the time I found your sister, it was too late. I am so sorry for the suffering that marked the end of your life, and for your passing at such a young age. I carry you and your memory in my heart and am richer for having known you. Rest well, dear sister, and I look forward to seeing you again after this life.

J.

What I've Learned...

They're written by Andy Rooney, a man who has the gift of saying so much with so few words. Enjoy.......

I've learned.... That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.

I've learned.... That when you're in love, it shows.

I've learned.... That just one person saying to me, 'You've made my day!' makes my day.

I've learned.... That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.

I've learned.... That being kind is more important than being right.

I've learned.... That you should never say no to a gift from a child.

I've learned.... That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in some other way.

I've learned.... That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.

I've learned.... That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.

I've learned.... That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.

I've learned.... That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.

I've learned.... That we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.

I've learned.... That money doesn't buy class.

I've learned.... That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.

I've learned... That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.

I've learned.... That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.

I 've learned.... That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.

I've learned.... That love, not time, heals all wounds.

I've learned.... That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.

I've learned... That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.

I've learned..... That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.

I've learned... That life is tough, but I'm tougher.

I've learned.... That opportunities are never lost, someone will take the ones you miss.

I've learned.... That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.

I've learned.... That I wish I could have told my Mom that I love her one more time before she passed away.

I've learned.... That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.

I've learned.... That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

I've learned.... That when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger in his little fist, that you're hooked for life.

I've learned.... That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.

I've learned.... That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.

What People Will Remember...

"People will forget what you say, people will forget what you do, but people will always remember how you made them feel." ~ Maya Angelou