A day to reflect

A long time ago.  I THINK it was maybe in 1990 or so.  The roof needed to be redone and here are a couple of my helpers.  Today, perhaps it should be reroofed again!  That is even before I had gutters on.  I assume it was break time OR maybe Dad had to make a decision and the boys always thought I took TOO long!

As I sit at the computer it is a good day to not think of new things but of what was.  I emptied the rain gauge this morning and saw that we had 1.9" of rain over night.  WOW.  As I look out the window the sky is gray and there is a slight breeze.  I already got a bike ride in and also a nice visit with Mike M. who taught the boys at Highland Catholic.  He has a wonderful therapy dog and walks it a lot.  Also a very active bike rider.  

BUT it really is a day to sit and reflect.  Life is good, life can be difficult.  So many good things in the past but then of course some regrets as well.  So much to look forward to and yet what does the future bring?  So here goes some!

• Jack and Karen Saunders are in their late 70s or early 80s.  They farmed all their life and still live on the farm as one son does the work now.  Last week their 54 year old son suddenly died. My heart goes out to them and as one would know it brings back so many memories of Janet and Ronald (Red).  They were far from in their 50s and I know Mom's heart broke during those months between October of 64-February of 66.  Dad's heart was so in shambles too I am sure but he did not show it so much.  Of course it is just another example to let us know that we should love today, live life to the fullest today and make amens to any we have hurt.  I know, that is easier said than done.
• One of the things I think about often is how people react to situations that they know little or nothing about.   I have had events in my life that were not great and then had people react to me based on what they THOUGHT.  I makes me wonder some times.  I try to act on the truth and when I make mistakes I try to acknowledge them but for sure that is not always easy either.  Anyway there are a number of people who, to this day, avoid me and there was a time I thought we were friends.  Life goes on and one can not allow the thoughts of others to influence how a person lives their life.
• As I grow into the evening days of my life it is easy to think about how one should have done some things differently.  I could have earned more money by doing different work.  I should have not volunteered so much and did more on the upkeep of the house.  Could I have done both?  Maybe I should have not gone to the 1000s of soccer games, basketball games and bike races!  "For sure" I could have been a better father and husband.  I think about all those things and then say, "Really Lord, I did my best and will be happy with that!"  I would not change much of my past if I could but still thoughts linger.   I think I do a fairly good job of keeping focus on the present and future BUT there are times one regresses.
• Maybe we could have saved more money or spent less.  Let's not go there I say.

So time passes.  I get a bit older, the kids are now mature adults with children of their own and I must say are doing a great job.  So for today I will be content to say, "I have lived much of my life and even though it could have been better I am thankful for what I did and who I was/am."

I am looking forward to tomorrow morning as I will be getting together with some friends that I do not spend much time with.  Sometimes I wonder if friends want to spend time with me as it seems I am always the one to suggest doing something.  BUT anyway it will be a 7:00 breakfast with 2 or more guys I love.

The rain last night is going to bring the garden into NEW heights of veggies.  I may even have to mow the lawn a couple times that usually I would not have to.  I would say most years, by now, the grass cutting would be less and less but not this year.  I will be upping the blade the next time I mow.  Enough for today.  My FP was visited by an Americano at the coffee shop this morning so I am good to go.