I am thankful for
In WWII the US had 16 million in the armed service, I am one of the only 1 million WWII veterans that are still alive. 25% of the submarine sailors who served in the Pacific never came home, I came home.
I am indeed lucky to have a beautiful, wonderful wife, 3 children, 9.5 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild. Plus two wonderful Rottweillers Although many of my good friends have passed on, I still have many wonderful friends in many places. All of my children are unselfish. They are selfless adults whose primary goals are to help others. This makes me very happy and proud of them.
In the last 4 years, although real estate development has been a disaster and I have a few serious medical problems, I feel great. I am alive and kicking looking forward to each new. wonderful day. I’m very lucky for having a loving family, friends and relations who call and email me , and for having time to read and write. This makes my life grand.
My father loved Rotary. He wanted me to enjoy Rotary service as he did. I thought I was too busy traveling to take the time for Rotary. Until a good sold me on joining Rotary.
My 4 years of Rotary have been a wonderful experience. The members are unselfish. They are involved with projects that provide needed service to both the local and the world communities. I feel like a better person after each meting.
I am thankful for the poem, Invictus, which has provided inspiration to me
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
Thank you -William Ernest Henley ,
One of luckiest things in my life is my great joy from the wonderful, interesting folks that have befriended me in the last 84 years. At a later blog, I want to tell you about some of these fascinating folks.