December 5, 2021
Good morning my friends. Happy first Sunday of December. As we enter the last month of 2021, take time to reflect on the life we all share on this planet. Existence as human beings on this rock (we call earth) spinning in space is pretty incredible. I am thankful each and every day I’m here to enjoy the ride. It’s wonderful and perfect in so many ways. Even though nothing is ever actually perfect, it is if we believe it to be. We are each perfect individuals in our own way. Our body, mind and souls function in unison, making each of us truly incredible creations. Don’t waste a precious moment of your time on this planet. Begin with gratitude each morning. Let that guide you to happiness. Enjoy your life. It’s a gift with an expiration date.
Today, December 5th, has significant importance for myself and my family. It marks the passing of my Dad, on this day, eight years ago. I honor him, and his memory, with my writing today. He deserves this and so much more than I can offer. He is my hero, friend and father. He is the man I can share any thought, feeling or emotion; without the threat of being judged or criticized. He was a man of the Greatest Generation. This is fitting, since he truly was a great man! Amazing people, that share this trait, are rare in our world. I am lucky to know and trust several amazing people, including my sister and brother in law. There is one person, in particular, I’d like to acknowledge today. She has always shown me the same courtesy, support and love; just as my father has in the past. She is like my second mother in some respects (although no relation). She is an outstanding human who deserves this recognition. Thank you, Linda, for your wisdom, insight and unbiased advice. You, and your daughter, have always helped me see the world and life through different eyes. I appreciate all our talks, discussions and your love. I am truly grateful to know you and honored to have you as a friend. Great individuals, who truly care about others, possess incredible gifts to inspire, support and push us to be better humans. I will forever cherish their guidance and love.
My Dad was just one of those men that everyone liked and loved. He always shared a positive outlook on life. I can’t recall ever hearing him talk about anyone in negative or derogatory terms. He was kind, caring and just an awesome man and father. I know he carried scares and trauma from his past. Many of us have some sort of trauma from our past that haunts us in our present. He was the strong, silent (and handsome) type that just never showed that dark side. Dad grew up during the Great Depression. He was drafted in the US Army at the beginning of World War II. He served our country with distinction and honor. He landed at D-Day, traversed France, Europe and found himself in the Ardennes (near Bastogne, Belgium) during the winter of 1944. It placed him in the midst of the German offensive, known as the Battle of the Bulge. The German army pushed through an 85-mile-long front, which began on December 16, 1944, (77 years ago). Christmas, that year, was a fight for survival in the snow covered battlefields. It was a worldwide struggle for the freedom of this planet. A loss would have altered our history forever. The battle raged until January 25, 1945, after American and Allied forces pushed the German army back into their homeland. Germany would surrender and the war would end on September 2, 1945.
My Dad continued his service here in the States, after returning home from Germany, only to be deployed to Japan during the Korean War. When his tour of duty concluded, he returned home and moved my Mom and sister to California. I was born the day he was discharged from the Army Reserves. I had no idea of this fact until after he passed away. I collected his military documents; petitioning to have him buried at Arlington National Cemetery, in Virginia. Having him laid to rest in those hollowed and scared grounds was an honor he deserved. Looking through his service records, I learned more about the man I called “Dad.” Besides being an honored veteran, he was an amazing father and man. I hope we all cherish our fathers as much as I love and value my Dad. He was definitely one of a kind. I miss him, but still talk to him every day. He answers me in unique ways, and lets me know he’s next to me. I know he is watching over our family, because that’s the kind of man he was raised to be. Whether you believe in spirits, guardian angels or not, it doesn’t really matter. I know he’s here with us. I cherish honoring him whenever possible. Thinking of what he, and other soldiers, experienced and endured during the Christmas of 1944 is heart breaking. So many of our military and law enforcement officers sacrifice so much to ensure our freedom. Remembering them during the holidays is recognition well deserved. I miss my Dad every day and sad he’s no longer here to share the glory of the holidays with his family. I know you’re watching over us Dad. Thank you for showing me how to be a better man.
I send my thanks to all the members of our military, law enforcement, police and first responders, especially during the holidays. These brave men and women are working to protect us, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to ensure our safety and freedom. They are a dedicated and loyal breed of amazing individuals. I am honored and blessed to have worked alongside many of them during my career. Please take the time to thank them during the Holiday Season, and then remember them every day after.
I want to leave you with one important thought today. We don’t know when our time on this planet will end. Life, happiness, kindness and love are gifts that are free to each of us. I encourage you to live a life filled with passion and gratitude. Humility doesn’t mean you’re weak. It signifies your strength in how you care about others and yourself. Be a leader and roll model, standing tall and unafraid for all to see. I continue to show the same respect, fairness and kindness to all people. These traits don’t mean I’m weak in the face of evil. I’m willing to stand up for what’s right. I am unfaltering in my quest to fight the hate and negativity in our world. The battlefield I’m on is vastly different than my fathers during the war. None the less, we are still fighting that battle against evil today. Do the right thing and take a stand against dishonesty, lawlessness and tyranny; even if others refuse. Make the choice to be happy. It won’t cost money, there’s nothing to buy or gimmicks to obtain it. The simple decision, within each of us, is yours to make. The dividends you earn with happiness will benefit you for years to come. If change my thoughts and attitude, I can change to world. Think of what we can all accomplish together. Follow your dreams. They know the way.
Please tune in and join me again next Sunday for more! The healthy life puzzle is always in rotation. Let’s be healthy and strong mentally, physically and spiritually!
Thanks for your love and support! Embrace Life! Be sure to get outside and enjoy nature!
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