Saturday, October 20, 2007

Reflections and more....

START WITH YOURSELF

Author Unknown

When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of changing the world. As I grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change, so I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country.

But, it too, seemed immovable. As I grew into my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt, I settled for changing only my family, those closest to me, but alas, they would have none of it.

And now as I lie on my deathbed, I suddenly realize: If I had only changed my self first, then by example I would have changed my family. From their inspiration and encouragement, I would then have been able to better my country and, who knows, I may have even changed the world.

The above words are said to be written on the tomb of an Anglican Bishop in the crypts of Westminster Abbey in London, England.

Didn’t we all have dreams that went unfulfilled and didn’t we all say words that we’d eat later on.

I remember saying my children would never do that….and they did. My husband and I were going to travel the countryside when he retired…and he died way before retirement came.

It’s good to make plans and to try to do the best we can, but if God has other plans, they will happen for sure.

The thing we don’t see in the here and now is the results of those plans he has for us. As I go along day to day I do try to make it the best I can, trying always to be flexible when the unexpected comes along.

I think ‘What surprises will there be today? The good Lord only knows.

In the news this week I read the following article:

'First' Baby Boomer Seeks Social Security Benefits The Nation's "FIRST" baby boomer applied for Social Security benefits Monday (October 15, 2007), part of an expected avalanche of applications from the post-World War II war generation. An estimated 10,000 people a day will become eligible for Social Security benefits over the next two decades

I still have a little way to go before the SS starts for me. I could have retired at the age of 60 with the Widow’s benefits I’d get from my husband but the great cost of health insurance keeps me working.

There are many days however, that I think I really don’t need that insurance after all. I’m healthy and never use it anyway. This is something I’m weighing over in my mind. I would love to quit working, but I’d never want to be a burden to my family, so I keep on going off to work each day.

Maturity means being emotionally and mentally healthy. It is that time when you know when to say yes, when to say no, and when to say WHOOPEE!

Hopefully I’ll be saying the big WHOPPEE soon.

Words truly written from my heart to yours,

Pam (Mostly known as ‘Ma”)