JACK'S WINNING WORDS 11/30/06
“As life runs on, the road grows strange with faces new—and near the end, the milestones into headstones change, Neath everyone a friend.” (James Russell Lowell) I just read about the death of a friend in his 90s. I’m sorry I didn’t get to the funeral, but I have the memory of a fine person. Milestones and headstones…an interesting connection, isn’t it? Life runs on! ;-) Jack

FROM OHIO'S JON: Thanks for the timely line. I just used it in writing to my sister. Her son-in-law died suddenly at age 51. Along with the quote I also observed:
I suppose that is one reason we are taught to have faith--if we considered the reality of life daily (that we could be gone any minute) it would be paralyzing.

FROM ANOTHER JOHN: Were it not for our hope in Christ, those headstones would weigh down awfully heavy upon us. They are no problem because God has intervened in Christ. The child in the manger who will experience "nails and spears" ("What Child is This?") makes certain that the milestones lead to a wonderful definition....

FROM FRIEND DALE: It seems just yesterday that I was young, just married and embarking on my new life with my mate. And yet in a way, it seems like eons ago, and I wonder where all the years went. I know that I lived them all... And I have glimpses of how it was back then and of all my hopes and dreams... But, here it is…. the winter of my life and it catches me by surprise... How did I get here so fast? Where did the years go and where did my babies go? And where did my youth go?

I remember well... seeing older people through the years and thinking that those older people were years away from me and that winter was so far off that I could not fathom it or imagine fully what it would be like... But, here it is...wife retired and she's really getting gray...she moves slower and I see an older woman now. She's in better shape than me... but, I see the great change... Not the one I married who was young and vibrant... but, like me, her age is beginning to show and we are now those older folks that we used to see and never thought we'd be.

Each day now, I find that just getting a shower is a real target for the day! And taking a nap is not a treat anymore...it's mandatory! Cause if I don't on my own free will...I just fall asleep where I sit!

And so, now I enter into this new season of my life unprepared for all the aches and pains and the loss of strength and ability to go and do things.

But, at least I know, that though the winter has come, and I'm not sure how long it will last...This I know, that when it's over...its over....Yes , I have regrets .There are things I wish I hadn't done ,,,,,things I should have done. But indeed, there are many things I'm happy to have done Its all in a lifetime.. .

So, if you're not in your winter yet...let me remind you, that it will be here faster than you think. So, whatever you would like to accomplish in your life please do it quickly!

Life goes by quickly So, do what you can today, because you can never be sure whether this is your winter or not!

You have no promise that you will see all the seasons of your life...so, live for good today and say all the things that you want your loved ones to remember...

"Life is a gift to you. The way you live your life is your gift to those who came after. Make it a fantastic one."

LIVE IT WELL!! ~author unknown~

FROM WATERFORD, MICHIGAN: DO as much, and enjoy as much as if everyday is your last!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!