A Reminder

Yesterday morning I got a call from a Facebook friend. She told me that an ambulance had come to Lisan's condo. She had anticipated that it was going to be for Wayne and not Lisan as Wayne has had some health challenges as of late. But it turned out to be Lisan.

She went on to tell me that Lisan has been diagnosed with a brain tumor. The story goes that she was watching TV and all of the sudden just went blank and was staring off into space. Wayne tried to get some response, but got no reaction. An ambulance was called.

Lisan is a dear friend of ours since the days my wife and Lisan were roommates in college. Lisan has always been the caregiver for others. Wayne, many people in her community, her parents and many other relatives. Always the problem solver and the person to get things done.

This is another reminder of how fragile life can be. That one minute all is well and right with the world and in the next blink of an eye, your world can be upside down and so confused that you don't know which end is up.

It is at these times that many would question and ask "Why"? Which I did. At the same time I also spoke to God about His plan. We don't know what that plan might be. But have faith that He is working it 24/7 and that with patience and faith some day we will know what He has planned for us and why some things worked out the way they did. Patience and faith go hand in hand in here.

I am grateful for that faith. And grateful for every day I get to spend here.

Thank you Lord for all of the many blessings you have provided, the guidance and gifts you provide everyday.

Everyday is a blessing

Yesterday morning, I walked out to get the paper. It was o'dark thirty and the early morning sky was illuminated by the full moon and the stars. I took a moment and looked skyward and thought to myself, "Everyday is a blessing".

Every day is a blessing. Every day that we wake up we have a new opportunity to experience the blessings that have been provided to us by grace. We have to be thankful. It is not rocket science and is not hard to figure out. You find that attitude of gratitude in your heart. You find it knowing that there are a number of people that love you, provide for you and bless you everyday.

Take the time today and everyday to count your blessings and hold those that love you and those you love close to your heart. Because everyday is a blessing.

Quiet Peace

It is early morning here at 82nd Place. I find that some of my best thoughts and efforts come at this time of day. I have not always enjoyed the early morning. I can remember when I was a teenager and getting up at 6:00 AM for a summer job was a pain. Now I get up at 4:00 AM and enjoy it for the quiet peace it brings.

In the quiet, you can hear your thoughts so much clearer. No distractions or background noise to interrupt your thoughts. Just the quiet peace.

Sometimes, I feel like the Lord is talking to me during these times. He makes me pause and makes me think. Then I remember a good time or special person, then I just smile. Cherishing the memory of a previous encounter or life experience.

I cherish these times. It seems like any more that they are going by way to fast, but while I have the opportunity to enjoy them I will. I give thanks every day for the gifts that life has provided to me. And the peace He brings to me every day in the quiet of the morning. Today is no different and these times will always be special. I am truly blessed.

Doing the right thing

When I used to run in Louisville many times we would run at a place called Seneca Park. When we would do the eight mile loop, it included many hills. Now before I started I knew I would have to encounter all them during this eight mile jaunt through the park, but went out there anyway and faced it. I went ahead with my run because I had done the training, knew what I had to do to succeed and executed the plan.

This week I am faced with a challenge at work. So what do I need to do? I need to face it just like I did the hills at Seneca. You know the work to be done, you know the job, it is just going to be a little tougher this week. Not unlike the hills of Seneca.

Complaining about it, is not going to make it any better. In fact it may make it worse than it really might be. Giving your best effort in the face of life's challenges is always the best path to take. It may not always be the easiest, but will leave you with the greater reward. Not unlike reaching the top of the hill during a tough hilly run.

Too many times I become my own worst enemy and defeat myself before the job is even started. So this week I promise as I look at that man in the mirror to do the job, smile while I am doing it and give it my best effort. Because that is the right thing to do.

Back at it . . . . . . Again

I am back at it again. Working out and eating right. So far so good. Dropped around 15 pounds over the past two months and reduced my cholesterol by 42 points since my physical in May of 2010. They checked my body fat and I am down by a couple of percentage points. Good to know that at 57 years old, I can still make it happen. Is it tough? Of course it is, but I need to do this to make sure that this old body will be around for a long time.

Good bye to 2009 and hello 2010

As the new year, 2010, begins. I can truly say that 2009 was a year that went by far too fast. My wife and I always see each new experience as "A New Adventure." We had a few of those this past year. Some good some bad.

It started on a good note spending a delayed Christmas with my children and family.

Then in the spring my brother in law getting sick and finding out he had cancer. He eventually passes shortly thereafter, making my sister a widow at 50 years old.

Going to Sonoma and Napa in July and running my final 1/2 marathon with the best friends I will ever know.

Going to Ocracoke Island and being able to give away my daughter in marriage to Chad Kincaid in September.

In November the passing of a childhood friend that I had recently reconnected with on Facebook.

Traveling to Rochester, Indiana (home), "GO ZEBRAS" and spending time with my sister and mother.

A couple weeks before Christmas going back to "Looavull" to surprise my running friends at a Christmas Party. Thank you Annie. Being able to sing with our former church choir. As they say, "You can never have too much tenor".

Then a week later traveling to Albuquerque, (spelled it correctly and did not have to look it up) and watching Lt. Colonel Dan Pepper promoted to squadron commander. A ceremony that made me very proud to be an American knowing that these men and women are watching over us 24/7 to make us, safe, free and secure.

Christmas Eve sitting at home and a phone call from my sister. "Mom has fallen". She ended up with only a dislocated shoulder. I am forever grateful that is all that it was. At 89 (90 in May) She is still a trooper. Thank you to my sister for dealing with it.


Life is not about the destination, but the journey. Many times not unlike riding a roller coaster. Ups and downs, twists and turns. Never sure which direction you are headed next. You are scared and excited during the ride, but happy for the experience.

This year has brought many challenges, opportunities, destinations, and of course new adventures. An interesting and challenging journey to say the least. But I am a better person for the ride.