rackmup
08-08-2002, 08:28 AM
Have you ever really stepped back and looked at your life? I mean, really looked and seen everything? The good and the bad? I've had time to do so in the past four months and I have to say, while I viewed a lot that I didn't like, I discovered some other areas that I have spent a lifetime overlooking.
Since moving to Texas, I have learned to appreciate God's gifts a little more. The wildlife, the landscape, the green trees and rolling prairies. Texas is the only place where I have lived that allows you to be withing 30 minutes of the largest city, yet feel like you are in the country. Texas is beautiful.
I've also learned to appreciate how much my children really mean to me. It's tough being so far from home and not being able to see my beautiful daughters. I am missing so much in their lives. They are getting older and those Father/Daughter times are eluding us.
I've discovered that complete strangers (CCB'ers) can be your best friends in your "time of need". Other CCB'ers that I have met (or spoken with) are wonderful as well (Ward, Spiderman, SPetty, Scott Lee, Dr D and Sid Vicious.)
I have spent more time in Church since moving to Texas than I had in my entire time in Arizona. It has brought me peace in a time of great personal turmoil. It is something that may not be FOR everyone but is THERE for anyone.
I've also learned that even though I have felt at "rock bottom" many times recently, there are others out there in far more precarious positions.
I appreciate my friends at CLICK'S in Arlington (Steve "ABear", Les M., Crazy Jack, Mike N., Don W., Ed, Jack, Doc, Robin, Hank and others) and at HAWLEY'S in Dallas (Michelle, Sharon, Walter and Ed.) They have allowed me time to "vent" and have helped in ways that cannot receive sufficient thanks.
I've learned to swallow my pride and accept help when it is offered.
My league team is a welcome break every Tuesday night. Even though they are all a little crazy, they are wonderful people.
I've even learned to appreciate my dogs a little more. I can yell at them, put them outside, kick them off the furniture and force them to endure the often needed bath and yet, they still greet me at the door everyday, at a time when no one else does and their love is unconditional (except for the occasional Milk Bone.)
Perhaps it is a good thing to be forced during the "down" times to look at one's life. It puts everything into greater perspective, makes us stronger and gives us direction.
I will be 44 this Sunday. I am not at the position in life that I dreamed I would be at 44 but at least I am here, with my health, my friends and family (near and far), my cues and my dogs.
I have it better than a lot of people and I live in a great country. We have what is truly a very short time here on this earth and I have learned that it is far better to move forward, step over the obstacles and reach the next challenge than to remain stuck in the past, fighting the same battles that cannot be won and complaining about it.
Thanks to all of you who have been there for me, for lending a compassionate ear and for the private messages that made me stronger. You all know who you are and you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Lastly, I apologize for the long post. To those casual "lurkers" that don't understand the post, at least understand that I am taking the time to do something we often forget to do in our busy lives; to offer simple thanks to others.
Sincerely,
Ken (getting better everyday)
Since moving to Texas, I have learned to appreciate God's gifts a little more. The wildlife, the landscape, the green trees and rolling prairies. Texas is the only place where I have lived that allows you to be withing 30 minutes of the largest city, yet feel like you are in the country. Texas is beautiful.
I've also learned to appreciate how much my children really mean to me. It's tough being so far from home and not being able to see my beautiful daughters. I am missing so much in their lives. They are getting older and those Father/Daughter times are eluding us.
I've discovered that complete strangers (CCB'ers) can be your best friends in your "time of need". Other CCB'ers that I have met (or spoken with) are wonderful as well (Ward, Spiderman, SPetty, Scott Lee, Dr D and Sid Vicious.)
I have spent more time in Church since moving to Texas than I had in my entire time in Arizona. It has brought me peace in a time of great personal turmoil. It is something that may not be FOR everyone but is THERE for anyone.
I've also learned that even though I have felt at "rock bottom" many times recently, there are others out there in far more precarious positions.
I appreciate my friends at CLICK'S in Arlington (Steve "ABear", Les M., Crazy Jack, Mike N., Don W., Ed, Jack, Doc, Robin, Hank and others) and at HAWLEY'S in Dallas (Michelle, Sharon, Walter and Ed.) They have allowed me time to "vent" and have helped in ways that cannot receive sufficient thanks.
I've learned to swallow my pride and accept help when it is offered.
My league team is a welcome break every Tuesday night. Even though they are all a little crazy, they are wonderful people.
I've even learned to appreciate my dogs a little more. I can yell at them, put them outside, kick them off the furniture and force them to endure the often needed bath and yet, they still greet me at the door everyday, at a time when no one else does and their love is unconditional (except for the occasional Milk Bone.)
Perhaps it is a good thing to be forced during the "down" times to look at one's life. It puts everything into greater perspective, makes us stronger and gives us direction.
I will be 44 this Sunday. I am not at the position in life that I dreamed I would be at 44 but at least I am here, with my health, my friends and family (near and far), my cues and my dogs.
I have it better than a lot of people and I live in a great country. We have what is truly a very short time here on this earth and I have learned that it is far better to move forward, step over the obstacles and reach the next challenge than to remain stuck in the past, fighting the same battles that cannot be won and complaining about it.
Thanks to all of you who have been there for me, for lending a compassionate ear and for the private messages that made me stronger. You all know who you are and you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Lastly, I apologize for the long post. To those casual "lurkers" that don't understand the post, at least understand that I am taking the time to do something we often forget to do in our busy lives; to offer simple thanks to others.
Sincerely,
Ken (getting better everyday)