Repost- The Winter will Come..A Tribute to my Dad

I have been involved in the health and fitness arena for a long time. I'm not a professional when it comes to nutrition or health problems, but I've enjoyed learning through trial and error, and I've had some success with my personal fitness goals. I've been somewhat of a gym rat since age 18. Long before my father died, he would give me advise about fitness, mainly because of his own involvement in this same enjoyable and rewarding sport. To him being fit was everything, mainly because he believed it supported a lot of other areas that people took for granted. Things like; self confidence, personal appearance, self esteem, and overall health and well being. These are all very, very important things to possess, but of course being fit is also one of those, things you choose to do or not do.


One day, we were just sitting around and talking, when I interrupted our conversation, because I was in a hurry to get outside and spend some time with my friends. You see my father took pride in giving my sister and I lessons or life tips as he called them, whenever the opportunty presented itself. Each and everyone of those "life tips", seemed to parallel with and or remind me, of all those Sundays spent in church hearing about biblical parables. I took a deep breath and asked him hastily "Do I really need to spend this much time in the gym." He paused, looked me in the eye, and at that point I knew right away, that it would be awhile before I was going outside. I was going to learn a new lesson, whether I wanted one or not, and he was going to take his time, with its delivery.

I can still hear his voice saying, "Every year brings about a new season, and as the seasons change, even the smallest of animals prepare, and so should you." What?, I thought, to myself. He went on to say, 'Take the squirrel for instance, early in the spring, summer and during the fall, the squirrel collects nuts and stores them up. Although some animals, with larger brains procrastinate or choose unwisely not to prepare or figure out why the squirrel is doing this". I couldn't help myself, I said what does nuts and squirrels and other brain dead animals have to do with me? He just smiled and said, "Everything my impatient son. Even the squirrel knows that the winter will come, and there won't be much food around to survive on". I still didn't get it, but since I knew he was not done and had more to impart to me, I shut up and decided to open my ears.

He told me that, because the squirrel made preparations for the winter he was able to take care of him self and survived when some other animals couldn't, during the tough times. He then made his point very clear and etched its meaning into my mind and soul by saying, "You're young now, but one day, your winter will come, today you are living in the spring, summer and fall of your life. If you do the things required to take good care of yourself now while you're able, perhaps like the squirrel, when the tough times come (your winter), your fit body will take care of you too.

Actually dad, today happens to be Fathers Day and everything you've instilled in me has been manifested into my present reality. For you see dad, I'm now also a father and amazingly, as I daily behold the man in my mirror and gaze upon the faces of my sons.... You're there.

Well Dad, its been 25 years since you've been gone, resting in that place so bright and fair; where there's no more sickness and death. Enjoy forever the peace and eternal love that was promised.


Thanks Dad, and by the way....I will never forget.

**This post is a repost of the original, "The Winter Will Come". There are minimal additions to the original content which reflects my endless love to my father's extraordinary life and memory.

Fishing for... LOVE

Growing up in Miami for me was great. Perhaps if you were like me, you had everything imaginable and available around you to keep you amused. As the years came and went, I started to wonder what it would be like to have a relationship of my very own and most importantly, what the heck was a "relationship" and then, how to accomplish or get one.

I began to closely observe the personal relationalship behavior of my parents which was slow paced and to me, not very exciting to watch as far as I was concerned. Don't get me wrong or become perplexed about my reality, its just that I was only about age 7 then.  Now, I don't know about you, but seeing my parents kissing was like..... auggh!

Thank you God, that I was blessed with not one, but two older brothers who, unbeknown to them, were instrumental in, lets just say uh.. they opened my eyes.  I was watching every move, stance and gesture they made.  I even went as far as to memorize their special brew or blend of how to 'RAP'. Ha, Ha, Ha!!. I had no clue of what I was saying or what it all meant, but when I opened my mouth and uttered the words, it sounded smooooooth. So, fake it if you must, but look good doing it.  Either way, through the magic of trial and error, I like many other inspiting "Don Juan's",  sometimes got it right.

I am by no means an expert of this topic but, if you've found yourself in what I call a relationship disaster, better known as an absolute NIGHTMARE that just won't go away, then its possible that some or all of the blame starts with the man in the mirror.

Sometimes when we think of starting a relationship, we fail to seek out or simply do not care about gaining any real understanding of its true meaning.

Webster says a relationship is a state of connectedness between people (especially an emotional connection).  Its a state involving mutual dealings between them. (making all parties accountable)

There is one group of individuals that just drive me nuts. These relationship geniuses are of the ever present, fast paced, pain in the butt group of people who blantantly start relationships based on, "I'm with you only for the moment or until I get bored with you or simply my dear,What have you done for me lately".

Trust me, they're out there, everywhere, at work, school, the mall, the movies, your favorite restaurant, at church and even in your cell phone's contact list.

Scary isn't it.

What's even scarier, is that there are some who know this is a bad deal and instead of running away as fast as they can, they get involved or settle for this form of punishment, in spite of the reality. Perhaps the vilian within is a lack of self esteem, or some form of co-dependency, which without indepth examination can sometimes create an illussion of looking like the real thing thats being search for...,True Love.

Think back and remember the last time you were out and was just minding your own business, when suddenly you glanced up and met the attractive and pleasing eyes of another. Your inner voice tells you to ignore it and move on, but that other inner voice shouts louder and makes you take a second look only this time you smile or wriggle your nose or even send a wink. Then suddenly, in the next breath your brain turns to mush and you can't speak or articulate and you're left with the abnormal ability to immediately resort to acronyms like .... OMG!!! or just... OOOOOH. Your entire body language is focused and sending strong impulsing messages of "Yeah baby, I'm the one, so lets get it on"!

OK, Calm down, you can stop now..., it was only an illusion.

So was it fate, or chance that you met? Or should I ask myself..., did you pick them or did they pick you?

I would suggest that we all spend the time needed to acquire long and lasting relationships built on common sense values. Such as, do I need or do I merely just want a relationship?

As the the picture above may indicate... He or She are exactly who they are. You can't change them, nor should you seek to. Plain and simply my friends.. It is what it is and they are who you thought they were.

Perhaps if your luck continues to run out and you're tired of falling in love, when the true goal needed to be, growing in love. Consider this the next time, you cast a line in the sea of romance to hook... "the one".

Maybe, just maybe its a real good time to also practice, "CATCH and RELEASE"!

JUST FOR ME

Its morning again, I hear the sound of birds singing and I began to wonder... 

Suddenly, my face is greeted with wetness and I witness the wagging of his tail moving crazily back and forth, but I'm not alarmed or quicken to anger, and I began to wonder... 

As I look over and past a most familiar face, still ever so quietly slumbering in restful and peaceful sleep, my eyes meet the awesomeness of nature and the warm morning sun.. and I smile, and yet I continue to wonder....

Is all of this... JUST FOR ME?

To many are those, whose days and nights are filled with horror and the sounds of cruelity and of death. To many are those, who tremble and huddled together because the endless fear(s) of the unknown was and have become so deeply overwhelming. To many of those, will have no sound of joy in the trees, no faithful friend to greet their awakening eyes, no familiar loving presence of a life long mate or the laughing, happy tunes of little tiny feet, with outstretched arms running to meet them .  Yet, through it all, I somehow will be spared and wonder, will it all be... JUST FOR ME?

Why, oh why, did the thief who comes in the night pass me by? Why, did those few, who are both near and abroad, choose to protect the many and include little ole me?   How could anyone know, that I prayed for these things?  How could anyone know, that through all the negative possibilities that could engulf me, that my tiny little exisitence really mattered. 

Although the road I travel, sometimes gets rough, and some of the people around me choose to openly hate, I still somehow can reflect on the countless number of good times.  Good times when I encountered strangers who smiled as they looked me in the face... and said, "Hello".  I'm motivated to faithfully, rise every morning and awaken to the glorious sounds of life all around me and then stop, smile and breathe freely as I realize that I'm alive, worthy and well, especially with having the opportunity of sleeping in my own warm and comfortable bed. 

Hastily, as I spring up and move throughout this place that I call my own...my home, I am overjoyed and as my peace suddenly escapes me, I shout out towards the heavens..., Halleluiah!!, because the majesty of the stars and strips, affixed to my house is still intact and I'm still, oh so....... FREEEEEE! 

Yet, somehow I find myself wondering, did he really hear me, does he really know me, and if so.. why, oh why, JUST FOR ME?

Wait a minute... I remember now, I was told long ago that my thoughts are not his thoughts. That he sits high and looks low. I never have to worry, nor wait in line. There's no need for an appointment or even a co-payment, that he may not come when I want him, but he would always be there, right on time. 

The answer is clear and yes its a choice.   The truth of the matter can be summed up in just one word..."LOVE " and its truly all done.... JUST FOR ME.                

Loving Equally

Does he or she really mean it when they say, "I Love You Too".  What are the signs? 

I'm not an expert on Love and relationships but, here's what I've observed and experienced...

While stating the obvious, sometimes they do and sometimes they don't. 

This process is and can be so complicated, yet so very simple. Lets try refusing to focus so much of our driven energies on futile attempts to read each others mind.  I believe our time would be better spent and greater results can be achieved through all the incredible and actively shared time we spend together.  Doing so, redirects the focus to the heart and soul of the matter... The Overwhelming and Blessed Opportunity to "Just Love".

Giving and receiving Love Equally, is much more than what appears to be on the surface. It requires action, honesty, sacrifice, as well as joint and total commitment of all parties involved. 

People understandably, spend a lifetime in Love, but... is that which they've chosen to dedicated their Love to, capable of returning the favor?

Some folk Love with all their hearts, their jobs; houses; land; silver; gold and sometimes too much of themselves. The returns are not only consuming and clouded, but they can be shortlived when searching for long term Love related residuals.

With all the aforementioned lovables that we can attached our existence to, I tend to ask myself the following:

Can I truly rely solely on my job; my bank account etc., to Love me equally when I encounter sickness; dispair; lonliness or become motherless, friendless, homeless or penniless?

Hopefully, its a knowledgable fact, whether through personal experience or not, that reciprocated Love can not and will not survive by force, coerosion or deception. It must be rooted, and produce through mutual respect and most importantly.... EARNED.

LOVE IS IN THE AIR

There it is over there; now it's over here. Can you see, hear and or feel it?  Just as high as the sky; as far as the sun is from the earth; as deep as the sea; as dark as the night without a hint of day.  Its in this land and in distant lands; it started and starts before, during and after births; and is present even at the time of death.  Its essence will lasts today, tomorrow and forever more.

It has been said that LOVE.. is patient and kind; is not jealous; is not snobbish or put on airs; is not self seeking; is not prone to anger; it does not brood over injuries, but rejoices along with the truth; it covers over everything; believes everything; puts up with everything.... and it NEVER FAILS.

LOVE is as powerful as nature itself.

The GOOD BOOK says that GOD is LOVE.

Therefore...... LOVE is simply everything.

WORDS CAN'T EXPRESS

Just within the last few days, we have all heard about, talked about, written about and seen through the media, that the country of HAITI, is no stranger to horrific forms of devastation and demoralizing tragic events.  Do the words, "When it rains, it pours", fit or express or shed light on the possibility that one of the worlds poorest nations maybe facing an unrecoverable existence... I pray with all my might that this will not remotely become a reality.

I'm personally somewhat at a lost for words to express the unmeasurable pain and state of hopelessness they must be feeling.

Sometimes, dispite even with the use of my limited education or the vast and useful capacities of Webster,Wikipedia, etc., there just simply are no words learned, known or uttered that can capture what the people of HAITI must be experiencing, physically, spiritually and emotionally.  So I have decided to just shut up and make a few needed adjustments in an effort to help.

One.. Never stop thanking God for all the many blessings I have received and those to come.

Two.. Pray harder for the people of HAITI, and also include those people living right here who's daily sufferings seem to still go unnoticed.

Three.. Get up and out and DO something in a positive (action) way to help the people of HAITI and others. After all, incomparison I really do have much more than they will or ever have. So yes, I have plenty to share.

Four.. Gather all my children and family members that I personally have influence over, and open their eyes and hearts to the plight of HAITIANS, here at home and abroad.
and last but not least... Pray for increase in my ability to.... Love Unconditionally.

  

Life's Evening Sun

When I first met my wife, we enjoyed traveling down on every available weekend we had, to whats known as the "Southern Most Point" of the U.S., which is located in KeyWest Florida.  One of the many sights and sounds we enjoyed most was to go to the pier and watch all of the tourist from other places as well as the locals. There was always more than enough music, food, drinks and performers around to entertain everyone to their fill.  Although, out of all of the aforementioned, nothing was more spectacular than to sit and watch the sunset.  Words or even a photograph with the most expensive NIKON camera and its host of accessories, could capture the majestic view of a KeyWest sunset.  In other words, what I'm trying to say is, you really have to see it for yourself, even if it's by yourself, with your own eyes.

Luckily, there are sunsets everywhere. So there really should be no excuse for not being witness to one of these amazing events on planet earth. Thank goodness there's even somewhat of a schedule to sunsets, you just have to plan a little bit and make sure you don't miss it by deciding to take a beauty nap. 

Here's one from as far north as the northpole. With this being captured in the month of December, I guess the people there really have it made.  They get a serious winter snow, Santa Claus, reindeer and his helpers for neighbors and a fantastic sunset to finish off the day.  Awesome!!



I can imagine that even in times past and long ago, when the great Pharoahs ruled, and had the power to  order the enslavement of millions, and then giving them the monumental tasks of gathering the tools and materials needed to construct and build the great tombs and pyramids of Egypt.  Surely, all of the task masters were hard and driven men, who's primary and focused goal, was to get the work started and completed at any cost, even if it took all day, with little or no rest, and even if it meant millions had to die..

I somehow believe that, to each one of those enslaved, nothing was more satisfying than their belief, that a day would come when they would be rewarded for their labor. When that great day came, both the enslaved and their oppressors gave witness to the breathtaking sunset unveiling equally before them.  A sunset not made by the hands of man; one that would miraculously place the beauty of a setting sun, as a magnificent backdrop to the results of their finshed masterpiece of labor in the foreground. 

Fortunately, no matter where you are on this planet, you can witness for yourself the beauty and magnificent graciousness of a sunset. I personally have been blessed to see quite a few and I have yet to become bored, tired or allowed myself to take any of them for granted.

I also realize that I raved on and on about the sunsets in KeyWest, but to be honest with you, my only desire is to make sure, that you do everything humanly possible to share the next sunset you are blessed to see, with someone you... LOVE.    

 



       

KEEPER

There are times when people whom I consider gifted and blessed, are able to pick up a pen and lay it to paper in a fashion thats not only creative, but inspired and in my opinion lead by the hand of the Almighty.  This piece, in which you're about to receive is not only beatiful, but is also quite humbling as well.  This piece was sent to me by a dear friend. The author of these writings is believed to be, Inger Reid Hanna.

Here's her message....

One day a woman's husband died, and on that clear, cold morning, in the warmth of their bedroom, the wife was struck with the pain of learning that sometimes there isn't "anymore". No more hugs, no more special moments to celebrate together, no more phone calls just to chat, no more, "just one minute".

Sometimes, what we care about the most gets all used up and goes away, never to return before we can say good-bye.., or say "I love You".

So while we have it, it's best we love it, care for it, fix it when it's broken and heal it when it's sick.

This is true for marriage..and old cars..and children with bad report cards..,and dogs with bad hips..and aging parents and grandparents.  We keep them because they are worth it, because we are worth it.

Sometimes things we keep..like a best friend who moved away or a sister-in-law after divorce.  There are just some things that make us happy, no matter what.

Life is important, like people we know, who are special..and so we keep them close!

Suppose one morning you never wake up, do all your family and friends know that you love them?

I wondered, if I had any wounds that needing healing; friendships that need rekindling or three words needing to be said?

If I were you, I would let each of them know that I love them, even if they did not love me back. You would be amazed at what those three words and a smile can do.

And just in case, I'm gone tomorrow... I Love You!

How Can I Help

It's no secret to most, that in many parts of the world, there was in the past as well as in our present day, people who are suffering from one thing or the other. With this in mind, I offer you peace in knowing that people everywhere are also being blessed daily in one way or the other.

If you are a believer, you know that our Father owns it all, and he is rich beyond measure. Yet sadly enough, sometimes we miss or fall short of ours, simply because we fail to position ourselves, in the right place to recieve them. What's also puzzling to me is, the mindset of those who actually have in abundance and refuse to share, and then there are those on the other hand who proclaim not to have enough of their own to even consider sharing.

This is what I know...

 Some may see or envision these benefits to mean or be displayed in many forms such as, money, silver or gold; houses or land, and so forth. These things come and go and when given, they can be taken away.

The true soul of these riches I speak of is LOVE, and it lies within each of us. If we offer it one to another without conditions, the world in which we live in, suddenly becomes a beautiful place again as it begins to turn and turn.... touching everyone with blessings after blessings.

LOVING unconditionally, can be as simple as giving water to one who is thirsty; being a mentor; feeding the hunger; offering service to the community by way of schools, parks, churches, and nursing homes, etc.

If we reach out and help as many people as we humanly and possibly can, to reach and fulfil their dreams, in turn our own dreams will be fulfilled. So it makes sense to me that, in order to recieve a blessing, we must become a blessing.

So, if it is in deed a true fact, that this story is about giving...

Please, take my hand;  join me and ask...... HOW CAN I HELP?

MISSY

Remembering the years before today....., those times of wishing and waiting; The times of anxious anxiety of longing for just a glimpse of your image, your face, your smile, your warm embrace. The times of emptiness deeply felt, when just the mere thought of not being near you brought feelings of great sorrow. Sorrow so immense, its measured and comparable only to the vast and endless part of a space without light. Missing any moment with you, created an undesirable element of forsakeness, filled with loneliness.

Although a place dark and warm; dreaming of you, as I know you dreamed of me, offered a sense of refuge; a place never permitting despair; when true to your word, you waited for me, saving a place for me in your heart.

If the day comes when you miss me.. think inner deeply of me; trusting and knowing that I will always return to you.

If in the history of our love, we're invaded or become under attack... I promise to protect you with honor and my last breath, even..... with my life.

My prayer is that you will forever have the vision and wisdom to know that an avenue has been made available to and for you only... there in that place and time.. there and only there can you seek and shall truly find....

Forever and Always ......A place for you in my heart.

Still Sparkling

Last night, we were invited guest to one of the most amazing events that will stay with me for a very very long time. Actually, I probably should give more expressive power to a word, I used in the previous sentence. For you see my friends, it was not just any old "event". The experience was more than that. The experience last night was more reflective of a term I believe, would be more defined, to me as a 'Life Changing" event.

Last night, an incredible couple, who's first names are Happy and Elyse, celebrated 30 years of marriage to each other. Some might say, "that's nice" or "Really" or "WOW!", but even those terms won't give justice to the heart felt feelings of LOVE, that permeated that romantic and elegantly decorated banquet hall.

I have only known this couple for a short time. Although, I must admit that I would have loved the opportunity to have known them sooner. They are a very loving couple, who observably are very wealthy in the respect that, they are not over concerned with placing the focus or spotlight on themselves alone. I believe they are in touch with what it means to share. Its very apparent that they are deeply focused and immersed in the fact that they truly love each other unconditionally. Then they take it a step further and they spread their magical wealth to all of the members of their family, as well as their friends too.

Obviously, they deserve and should be commended for these attributes, because it's also vividly displayed in the personalities and actions of their children as well. When people use the expression, "The nut doesn't fall far from the tree". I see and understand exactly what that expression means, especially when you watch their children interact with people around them. I guess we can agree that, being a good example, really does pay off.

I first met Happy and Elyse, through two of my family members, Cheryle and Barclay, who rarely if ever, hosts a social gathering at their home without them being in attendance. Thank You, guys.

Personally, I'd like to think of myself as just a person who loves people. Although, my friends have sometimes classified me as a social butterfly. All of these statements are true and are definitely rooted in my passion, to just observe other people being themselves. I love watching the interaction between others and the methods they use, whether its verbal or non verbal. I especially focus in on the techniques they use when problem solving, or how they seem to navigate when filtering through some of the challenges faced in this life. So it would be factual to say, that last night I was very much in my comfort zone, observing this wonderful couple.

A RELATIONSHIP is defined as an emotional connection and mutual dealings between people; PASSION is defined as having an intense emotion for..; and LOVE is defined as having a strong positive emotion for.., so if I had the pleasure of rewriting the dictionary, I would appropriately place a picture of Happy and Elyse right next to these words. PERIOD!!

This life has so many snares, twist and turns, its amazing to me they are still very much in LOVE and even still TOGETHER. There are so many ungrateful people around us, who take all of life blessings for granted. Those are the people who have accepted the term "fall" in Love, without gaining its full meaning. Their expressed Love for each one another is sometimes regrettably surface oriented, which will never stand the test of time. I'm not an expert or the Love Doctor on this topic, but it seems to me if examined closely, it stands to reason why so many who "fall" in Love, can easily "fall" out of Love. I believe it takes much more than just "falling", it takes one to GROW in Love. I think this is exhibited in the marital life of this special couple and what they've accomplished together.

If you asked them, they would probably tell you that they've spent their efforts; commitment; and joy together in the JOURNEY and not just in the mere DESTINATION. They didn't quit.

So many people today give up as fast as they begin. In other words, they quit at any and everything they do. They quit their jobs, their relationships, and some even quit on themselves. They want it right now, and they could care less about earning it. Many people start, but few people finish.

I know Happy and Elyse are not perfect people, nor would they have you to believe that they are either. So... If any of you, are fortunate enough to have family; friends or acquaintances, who resemble this couple in anyway, please be very very thankful for this God sent blessing, and then I suggest you begin to enrich your own relationships with one another, by merely sitting back and observing their commitment to unconditional LOVE.

Congratulations!! Happy and Elyse