Just got a holiday e-mail from a friend of mine still living in Hawaii. My friend goes on to tell me about a mutual friend of ours who had his son, son’s wife and 3 year old grandson in for a visit. They went on one of the whale watching boat rides so popular in Hawaii this time of year. Seems a whale actually surfaced directly in front of the boat; the boat’s skipper abruptly throws it in reverse to avoid hitting the whale. The sudden change in direction caused the young father to fall over the railing onto the deck 10 feet below. He had been holding the 3 year old in his arms so the young boy could see the whales better. The young boy sustained severe head injuries…never cried out…never regained consciousness…was dead before the medical helicopter arrived.

He also went on to tell me about a 1LT we both know. The LT had gotten his sons a trampoline for Christmas. The day after Christmas he finally talked his 27 year old wife into giving it a try. She gets the hang of it pretty quick…as her confidence grew, so did her daring. In an attempt to get “higher” she looses control and falls head first onto the ground. She broke her back and is now paralyzed from the shoulders down.

I’m not telling you all this in an attempt to bring anybody down. Contrarily, I’m writing this so that each of you can take a look around at your own situation. As we go into the new year, take stock and be truly thankful for the blessings you have…maybe make peace with yourself or someone else. Most of us have it pretty doggone and still some of us have the audacity to complain about what don’t have. Lots of folks have it far more worse and would give anything to trade places with any one of us.

Best wishes and happy New Year to all.
RWT

 

Heartbreaking story .You are right .we do take a lot for granted.i'll mention them in my prayers

 

Ditto.....

 

Since I have become a father this year any mention of a parent losing their child, especially a very young one, just cuts to the bone emotionally. Rest in peace little man.

 

good post. i needed to read that. sometimes i get a little cocky and get down and complain about stupid things. then i stop and give myself a reality check and look around at all the unfortunate people that dont have the things we have. last night there was a really pretty girl in a wheelchair at the table next to us. i just thought to myself i bet she would give anything to be able to get up and walk out of the restaurant and down the stairs like everyone else. made me appreciate the things i am lucky to have.

happy new year

 

Ignorance kills more people that any cause you can name!

Today's education is deficit as anything government funds.

Common sense is almost a lost art!

We live in such a 'safe' environment we cannot recognize danger.

We substitute so-called knowledge for experience and reasoning.

This has not a thing to do with IQ and science has yet to decide what to call this.

Until then, people will die in every stupid way both imagined and unimagined.

 

That story really humbled me. It made me realize how short life actually can be, and that I should cherish every moment of it, the good and the not so good.

 

Life is way to short...............period.
That story is so sad.

 

Dr's at our local Children's Hospital have said for years the trampolines should not be sold.

It never has been more true then at the holidays that we should be thankful for family and health because those are the two things you cannot replace.

You can always look around and see somone far worse off then you THINK you are.

I came through surgery to repair a broken neck 6 and 1/2 hours and can walk and enjoy my life and family. Do I have pefect health ? YES I think so. Do I ever feel sorry for myself NEVER and do I want more thah what I have NEVER.

I have a great wife, daughter, two perfect grankids and a great son in law and we are all healthy so we need nothing and want even less.