Life.......

Great post. I even wondered if we shop the same supermarket because there was this old fella there (had to be in his '80's) who stopped to talk to mrsreindeer & I and share some jokes (even pictured comics and positive phrases he had in his pocket) because he was an advocate of positivity and wanted to share humor and laughter.

My Dad is in his mid-'60's and is a completely changed man from the fellow I was raised by. When my parents were together, he was a workaholic and never spent time with me. After the divorce, when I was 11, I finally got to know my Dad. Now he's my best friend. And he wrote this for his local Charleston paper and I'd like to share it with you:

More Gratitude

"Several years ago, my life began a remarkable transformation for the better. I was inspired by the pastor of the church my wife and I attended in Los Angeles. I came to understand truly – and more importantly to practice – gratitude. Of the hundreds of examples, I recall particularly arriving at our hew home on Daniel Island over two years ago and asking: “What have I done, Lord, for which you have so richly rewarded me?”

On Thanksgiving, I recited grace at our family dinner. It presented once again the opportunity for me to express my profound gratitude to almighty God for having given to me my beloved family, friends and others who have touched my life; my pets and Gods’ other creatures who share the land, air and streams with me; the beautiful dawns and sunsets; my health; and especially for having given me every precious moment of life.

Then we prayed for others less fortunate, for those who serve others in such a variety of ways, for our country and for world peace.

It then occurred to me, if everyone were to practice gratitude, all of those prayers will have been answered."

Originally Posted by BroncoHorvath

We only have one life, and it's a pretty short one, so don't stress over the little things.

[GKitty]

My grandmother has always told me, "When you think your life is bad, look up the street, look down the street, and look across the street. Somebody's always fighting something bigger than you are." She's 76; has had a heart attack and a "minor" stroke; outlived her husband, two children, and a grandchild. Even through all that, she's has believed that everyday is a gift and has lived it to the fullest.

It's easy to get wrapped up in the "I have to"s of life, but the reality is this. I don't HAVE to do anything. I get to. I get to go to work. I get to help one of my best friends plan her wedding. I get to help my stepmom move tomorrow... in 30 degree weather. As Mr. Reindeer Sr wrote, it's all about gratitude.

Thank you so much for this thread. It was exactly what I needed today.

[bobarian]

Thanks Carlos, I can only hope to have that attitude in my later years.

[markem]

Two great phrases that my step-mom used almost every time I saw her:

Getting old ain't for sissies

Got up on the right side of the grass; everything else is icing on the cake

[stitch]

I have learned that lesson over and over in life,
From remembering those who didn't come home with me, my father passing when I was 17 at age 55, 1995 when I was literally killed in an accedent, But somehow survived ...2006 when my wife survived an accedent that she probably shouldn't have ....
I never miss a sunset, I share a smoke each night with friends gone away,
And I just plain don't let lifes crap get to me.
I was given this life to enjoy ...And that is what I shall do.

[n3uka]

Great reminder of a lesson I learned long ago.
My grandfather would wake up every morning and say hallelujah another day.
He lived to be 94 and was always in a positive mood.

Might have to get our parents together next time I am down.
Mine are fast approaching 80 and act like they are in there 60's.