Sacrifice and Bravery, The Slow Walk Toward a Better Life

“There are so many ways to be brave in this world. Sometimes bravery involves laying down your life for something bigger than yourself or someone else. Sometimes it involves giving up everything you have ever known, or everyone you have ever loved, for the sake of something greater.

But sometimes it doesn’t.

Sometimes it is nothing more than gritting your teeth through pain, and the work of every day, the slow walk toward a better life.

That is the sort of bravery I must have now.”
— Veronica Roth

Good morning, we made it to Thursday; remember, Monday, you were thinking, If it was only Thursday, well-baby, you made it.  We have guests in town from Indiana.  Randy and Tammy arrived about 5:00 last night; we played euchre, dined on our resident executive chef’s culinary fantastic, and got to bed at a reasonable time.

We’ve got a full day of work before heading down the hill; our friend Woody is returning from his self-imposed sabbatical.   We will connect with him and some friends before returning to meet our guests back on top of the mountain. 

One of our team members lost a family member.   He shared his loss earlier this week, our attitude when someone loses a family member, take the time you need, whatever arrangements are necessary, it’s family. His father, who works for a large multinational corporation was not given such an easy path; I’m happy to own a small business and can tend to our team’s needs in a rational, loving way.

It’s beautiful here; the sun is up, the snow is melting; I would guess that the snow is gone by this afternoon, and we can get our spring on.  I bet on the UFC fights last night; I bet $60.00 and won $110.00.  If you want to have some fun, take the underdog on all MMA fight cards, and you will win money every fight.  I’m four fights into my strategy, and so far, I’ve won every time. Why not at 51 add another vice to my vice-filled life?

I caught up with my parents the other day; they are in Florida, heading home tomorrow after three weeks in the sunshine state.  My sister has some time shares she does not use; it allows Mom and Dad to travel to someplace warm during the winter months.  Mom did say she was getting calls from her friends back home asking, “when are you coming home?” At 81 years young, my parents are going and growing.

I had a conversation with a friend the other day and was struck by how much tragedy he had faced in his life.  I’ve been fortunate not to have many bad things happen.  Yes, my sister lost a leg in a drunk driving accident when I was 15; that sucked, but she survived and thrived with the aid of a prosthesis.  Why something bigger than ourselves allows such pain and heartache in others’ lives escapes me.  It’s a reminder of how lucky I am and to always remember we all have our journey; none are equal; meet people where they are.

It’s almost May. Can you believe that four months have flown by this year?  We are in a good spot; things seem to be getting looser, society is returning to semi-normal.  My friend Joe Rogan got some heat this week for saying that young, healthy 21-year-olds should maybe skip getting the vaccine. It’s an opinion, one that differs from the CDC. Don’t you dare have an idea, man?  The mainstream media is coming after Joe, putting pressure on Spotify to cancel him; I think Joe’s going to be just fine. You can’t cancel free rambling men.

Today, we should let all voices speak, we will like some things and disagree with others, but in that disagreement, we can find enlightenment.  You should not agree with everything you hear, but when you hear a new idea, take pause and consider the merits of the new concept.  Should vaccinated people wear masks?  I think not, but those in power want to exercise their power muscles and have you wear masks until they deem it appropriate.  Sorry, I’m not playing your mask game Dr. Faccui; I have a mind.  Wolves don’t lose sleep over the opinion of sheep.

Facccui was interviewed yesterday and was asked when Kids could stop wearing masks.  His answer was nonsensical, “they must continue to wear masks until our numbers fall.”  Maybe you agree or disagree but respect all opinions, the future will show who is correct, and my money is on the science that shows vaccinated folks cannot get or transmit the virus.  I’m not a doctor; I have not a medical degree, do not listen to Joe Rogan or me; talk to your doctor and make your risk assessment.  For me, I’m masking free these days.

We were watching some live music last night.  Eddie Vedder was singing, and Randy shared he had met Eddie one evening while in Seattle.  He shared he felt sorry for famous people; they cannot live as we do; they cannot go out and just live.  I’ve met a few famous people in my life; I tend to let them be; I may or may not ask for a photo, but I try and respect their ability to live everyday life.

I suspect we will work this morning; take a walk with PVHT later today.  We will head down the hill and connect with our friends.  We will return home, dine, maybe play some cards, watch some silly television, and hit the bed.  Tomorrow I’ve got a few meetings, and Saturday we have a day of Derby parties.   Sunday, we will collect ourselves, and we will be heading east on Monday.

Randy was commenting on our home, “do you hate to leave this paradise?”  I thought I love it here, but I have kids and my parents back home; I cherish my time back East, but I love my life sitting on top of a mountain.  It’s nice to feel a level of comfort at 51.   I trust you, too, are living your best life and remind you if you are having issues, get help, talk to someone, see a doctor, a third party to help you get your life on track.

What do I know? Nothing, but I appreciate your checking in on me as I share my thoughts and ideas as I navigate this life.  I’m sure you too have ideas, thoughts, some you can share, others you would be persecuted for, but I don’t mind the persecution, always remember our friend, J.C., his father, sacrificed him. I wonder what sacrifice you would be willing to make for humanity?

“There are so many ways to be brave in this world. Sometimes bravery involves laying down your life for something bigger than yourself or someone else. Sometimes it involves giving up everything you have ever known, or everyone you have ever loved, for the sake of something greater.

But sometimes it doesn’t.

Sometimes it is nothing more than gritting your teeth through pain, and the work of every day, the slow walk toward a better life.

That is the sort of bravery I must have now.”
— Veronica Roth