Heaven has a new Angel and King

"When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, "I used everything you gave me." ~Erma Bombeck

"I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve the world and a desire to enjoy the world. This makes it hard to plan the day." ~Elwyn Brooks White

WHEW – it’s been a sobering month – time to reflect on what’s really important in life. There have been several – too many – events that have caused me to reflect – even more than usual.

Nickelback has a current song on the charts entitled “If today was you last day”. The lyrics are toward the end of this blog ~ enjoy. This is a perfect song. This is the song I’d write ~ if I could write a song. I enjoy much of the music that is currently played. Frankly, I did not enjoy much during the 80’s and 90’s, mostly preferring music from the 60’s and 70’s. But – it’s sounding better the past 10 years – thanks!!!

We’ve had tragedy and success at work the past month. The great news is Kelly, my boss, is doing well after a triple bypass last week. Kelly is a relatively healthy and active guy – but discovered heart problems after riding his bike 50 miles. He went home from the hospital on Fathers Day – and has a very positive and inspirational attitude.

However, we lost 2 great friends this past month. Mike succumbed to cancer on June 2 after a long fight. He was a great guy – always had a smile. Mike worked with our growers to make sure we had product. He also has a small farm, which he was able to have cows. We really enjoyed the hamburger meat we bought every year from Mike. I’ll miss his positive attitude and great spirit.

Ted lost his life on June 11 to a sudden heart attack. Ted worked on our Maintenance crew, and had been a part of our business for 34 years. He had several family members that also work here. Ted was an active outdoorsman. He was always willing to do the extra things at work – I’m wondering who will use the tractor next winter to remove the snow.

June 25th was another tough day – as we all lost Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson. WOW – how sad. There is a new Angel and King in heaven.

Farrah was 62, and had fought a long public battle with cancer. I hope that she brought even more public awareness to this dreaded disease. She proved to be stronger than anyone imagined! I have to admit that I’ve been a Farrah fan for a long time. She became an Angel on our TV screens – and I’m sure she is an Angel today. I wasn’t really into pin ups when I was a youngster. I only had 2 when I was in college – one was Farrah – do you blame me?

Michael was only 50 when he died yesterday of a cardiac arrest. WOW. There is probably nothing I can write that hasn’t been written a million times already. He was the King of Pop ….and he was Wacko Jacko. I believe Michael was a genuinely kind and benevolent person. I am convinced he had no conceptions of limits or boundaries – not that he was a villain – but he just didn’t understand why there were limits. That’s why he was so great on the stage – and so odd off stage. I believe he was certainly an odd character off stage – whether inappropriate or not, we’ll never really know, but I leave that for God to decide. I do know that he was great on stage. He was the best entertainer – EVER. I didn’t like all his music – but most of it stretched well beyond previous limits. He was a great singer. He was a great dancer. He was a great humanitarian. And there is no denying together he was a great entertainer on stage. He sold more records than anyone - ANYONE! I’d mentioned there was not a lot of music I enjoyed in the 80’s and 90’s ~ Michael was a clear exception. I can’t help but wonder if he could have extended his creativity. Maybe, as Erma Bombeck quoted "I used everything you gave me."

Hmmm~

Farrah was 62
Mike was 58
Ted was 55
Michael was 50

I’m 54, Kelly too – ouch – better make each day count!!!! Kelly and I have had bucket list conversations in the past. One of the items in our collective bucket is to ski when we are 70. I sure hope we achieve that goal.

If Today was Your Last Day (Nickelback)

My best friend gave me the best advice,

he said each day's a gift and not a given right.

Leave no stone unturned, leave your fears behind,

and try to take the path less traveled by
that first step you take is the longest ride.

Chorus:

If today was your last day,

and tomorrow was too late, could say goodbye to yesterday?

Would you, would you?

Would you live each moment like your last?

And leave old pictures in the past?

And don't hate any night you had?

Would you, would you?

If today was your last day?

Against the grain should be your way of life.

What’s worth the price is always worth the fight.

Every second counts, cuz there’s no second try.

So live like you'll never live it twice.

Don’t take the free ride in your own life.

Chorus

Would you call those friends you never see?

Reminisce on memories,

Would you forgive your enemies?

Would you find that one you're dreaming of?

Swear up and down to god above,

that you'll fight only for the love?

Chorus

Would you, would you?

Make up it up like mending a broken heart?

You know, it's never too late.To shoot for the stars,regardless of who you are?

So, do whatever it takes,

cuz you can't rewind a moment in this life.

Let nothing stand in your way,

cause when your hands are tied,

I’m always there, I'm on your side.

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

Life's not always fair. Sometimes you can get a splinter even sliding down a rainbow. ~Cherralea Morgen

Life is like a coin. You can spend it any way you wish, but you only spend it once. ~Lillian Dickson