The Sweet and Sour of Life

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away"


In Memory of Georgia M. Schultz
and dedicated to my parents, Richard and Marguerite Martin and my mother-in-law Edith Gould



Seasons change, people change and even menus change. It is the side effect of being a human. Change like the constant ebb and flow of the tide, washing away the worn lessons, making room for the new ones yet to be taught. Things happens in life unexpectedly, to comprehend it and thus accept it, comes much later.

Life is not convenient, it is a series of antes and all-ins. When something tragic happens, we retreat, reflect and remember. Reevaluating, re anting and finally beginning the resolve. Sickness pales the once strong, leaving only a memento of what was. Senseless tragedies speak heartbreaking goodbyes, for those that are left behind to pick up the pieces. A betrayal of trust can shake a town's bedrock, demanding answers and explanations. The ebb and flow of life brings in pain and joy. It is part of being in the game.

Truthfully only one line in an obituary deals with the death of an individual, the rest of the story centers around the amazing lives they lead. The accomplishments, the family and above all this the love. Facing a death of someone important in our lives, awakens a spiritual dimension in us, whether we consider ourselves spiritual or not. We question, is there a God?, and what is my new normal?  Pain is complicated, but it is just us that complicates it.

Let go of the mistakes that handicap you, surrender over disappointments that you hold close, it serves no purpose, but to hold you back from the person you were meant to be. It is so easy to get caught up in the things of this world, and feel the real sting of sadness. Life is so short on this earth, and no one knows when their journey will end. Don't wait, avoid the should-haves, be open to the noise and "Be The Glue" whenever possible.

Live each moment like it is your last moment,and give of yourself. Love your family, including the people that show up along your journey. Feel lucky in life and love, and never have any regrets. Wish on shooting stars, look for the pot of gold, at the end of the rainbow, and dance barefoot in the rain. You only have one shot at this life.

Accept each others faults and celebrate the differences. You may not like burned toast, but I do. Life is full of imperfections, learn to take the good with the bad and the ugly. If your friend is sad, you can choose to make them smile. If someone falls, you can choose to help them up. If your neighbor loses a loved one, you can choose to fix them a meal. If someone shuns you, you can choose to say a prayer for them. If I am on the edge, you can choose to grab my collar. If I wade in too far, you can choose to swim to me, if it seems as though I can bear no more, you can choose to bear it with me. Take advantage of your serendipity, before time runs out.

Life is simple, it's just not easy. ~Author Unknown