New Year 2019

Sometimes I wish that my brain worked differently. I am always mentally involved in problems beyond my scope. 

As we enter a New Year, I am mindful of all the reasons for being thankful for so much.  

I never stop being amazed about the good fortune of living with such a beautiful person, as is Joan Louise. Thinking that we will soon be celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary gives me shivers over the miracle of our lives together. It has never stopped being a source of wonder.

And then, to think that we were blessed with three great children who, in turn, married three wonderful people, and they, in turn, gave us six beautiful grandchildren. 

All of this is more than anyone can rightfully hope to experience. 

And yet, I spend so much time pondering what is wrong with the world we live in. Why are so many children raised without the benefits of parents capable of providing them with the resources of love and goods commensurate with their needs?

I think of all the people fleeing persecution and/or danger who find that there is “no room” for them. I can almost feel their sadness and pain as they try to survive an unlivable situation.

By a fluke of historical circumstance, I enjoyed working a productive life with the Veterans Administration. I found my work intellectually satisfying and I was paid as much as I could ever have expected. I was able to retire with benefits, capable of being liberal with my family as well as share some resources with those in need. I am now aware of so many paid so little and/or have so few benefits regarding healthcare and retirement. 

Why was I spared the problems confronting so many others? It pains me to think of those suffering from the problems of poor governments and political policies that are skewed to some without benefiting all?

As my life sees its end in the relatively near future, I shiver with anxiety about problems confronting humanity that I will escape. There is clearly dangers from national leaders who have the power to unleash weapons that are potentially earth shattering. And if not nuclear destruction, the creeping rise of global warming will destroy the beautiful environment that nurtures our humanity.  

I welcome 2019 with gratitude for my life and the family that been such a source of love. At the same time, I hope that the peoples of this world will find leaders who will provide the leadership that will be benefit all.