Taken For Granted

As I walked into the room I hit the light switch and slowly raised it to the on position.As the light filled the room and drove out the darkness, I realized that it was something taken for granted. I never gave it much thought before. I just turned on the switch and there it was, like it magically appeared. The only time I ever give it a second thought is when it doesn't come on. Then it's time to change the bulb or get an electrician out to fix the problem. I can relate to my truck in much the same way. As I start my trucks for my trip into work each morning I take it for granted that it will start. Maybe it's the trip into work itself, I think sometimes it's taken for granted that I will arrive safely.
     The reason I bring this up, is the health scare that shook my family last weekend.  My older brother experienced a stroke and for a day or so we were all  dangling in the wind. We were all worried and still  are as he is recovering.  He's made a remarkable recovery but has a ways to go to get back to 100 percent.  He's only 5 years older than me that's way too young for a stroke.
    The truth of the matter is this. We take our health for granted.  We get up and function the best we can all the while ignoring the warning signs. Maybe the light bulb flickers an hour or two before it finally goes poof as you turn it on and it's blown. I can't say because I've never paid any attention to it.  I've pretty much ignored the light except  when I've had to change the bulb.  We pretty much treat our bodies the same way. They are ignored until there is a problem. Then we want to fix it.  I will admit this is more of a guy issue.  I am the worst. I love to eat and not always healthy. I love bread, sweets and all things bad for me. Even though I know it's bad for me it doesn't change anything. Don't fix what ain't broken. The truth is unless we are getting regular check ups we don't have a clue what's broken. My brother found out some things that were in need of fixing. We are fortunate he had the chance to get them fixed. It could have been much worse.  Look as we get older and we get more worn parts on us let's make it a habit to do the occasional checkup so we at least have a fighting chance. Life is precious  and should never be taken for granted.

Then They Grow Up

I am finding it more important as Cynthia's girls get older that we spend more time together.  There will come a day in the next few years when they will get busy with their own lives and it's going to be much harder to bring everyone together for a night out. These are what I call memory making times.  Hey it may cost a few bucks to plan an outing but it's so worth it and those memories last a lifetime. I'm lucky to have had the opportunity to have a part in raising three amazing girls. Angelah, Kathryn and Jamey, thanks for all the great memories. I'm glad I was able to be there
   I look back at my own childhood and young adult days. The times as a family where we would go out.  First off my mom deserved a night out away from preparing a meal and her daily routine.  She was a stay at home mom and she raised 6 of us.  Some Saturdays we would go roller skating and those were some great nights. Let me tell you my mom could skate. My dad would put on a pair of skates and meander around the rink but you could tell he wasn't comfortable.  He was not really in his element.  Looking back I realize that was all part of being a dad. That's what dad's do. They put their kids first. They don't brag about it, they don't seek recognition for it they just do it.  They sometimes for lack of better words " make a fool of themselves to ensure that their kids have the things they didn't.  My dad's childhood was not about having fun it was about working to help support the family.  I really believe those nights were just as special for him too. 
      Let me just say that we as fathers are missing out on a lot of life's great moments when choose other things over our children.  They pick up on what's important to you.  For some it may be that money rules their lives. For others it may be drugs or alcohol. Whatever it is, your children see it.  You are by all means their example. Don't belittle or criticize when they become just like you. (Cat's in the Cradle) listen to that song and this all makes sense. 
   The funny thing, it doesn't have to cost money to be there for your children, you just have to be there.  If you aren't there to shape and mold them into great people, someone else will.  Some messed up guy is looking to help your girl with Daddy issues.  Some one else will get to play catch with your son.  Some other guy gets to come in the picture and be all the things you won't be and be the hero. That , my uninvolved father is on you and only you.  
      We have to figure out priorities and see if it worth depriving children of father time.  Working to make sure your family is taken care of is acceptable but when it takes you away every second of the day, we might need to ask ourselves," How much do we really need?"  If money is your thing just know this, you can't buy their love.  They may enjoy the material things for a while but it's an empty gesture. In the end they just want what all their friends have. A dad that will consistently sacrifice to spend time with them. A dad that would give his life for his children.  If that's not you in my opinion you are just a man not worthy of being called dad.
Many know that I'm adopted by my uncle, who is and will always be my dad.  He is my example of what a dad should be.  He raised three children of his own and well as three adopted. What a sacrifice to make. What a huge financial burden.  Giving of himself to teach and to show us what a dad should be. I'm eternally grateful and blessed.
   They grow up and then it's too late. Capture the moments while you can. It only last a little while.
God Bless
Kenney Bigskinny" Pope.