Well, it’s Thursday and I have less than a week here in the US. Not knowing what to really expect in Ghana, I have been trying to take in every little thing that I might normally take for granted:
The next time you are driving down the road, notice all the different shades of greens on the trees and grass. Notice the color of the bark, birches, pines and hardwoods. Study a flower. See the delicate and intricate the patterns. Take a deep breath and smell the earth, the blossoms, the grass. Stand still and listen to the birds. How many can you pick out? God has given us such a beautiful land to live in, and some times I don’t take the time I should to enjoy it.
And then.... there are family and friends. What can I say? I have been blessed with a family that loves, laughs, and encourages. From my parents, my brothers, my kids and nieces and nephews; by their example I have learned the meaning of character, integrity and honesty. My friends have shown me unconditional love, been there during the hard times, and helped be become a better person.
As I close this chapter of my life and move on to an unknown course, I carry with me precious memories of our times together and knowing that I am loved. Armed with that, I know that no matter happens, it will be OK.
Next stop... training... whahoo!!!
“Tomorrow may rain with sorrow
Here's a little time we can borrow
Forget all our troubles in these moments so few
All we've got right now, the only thing that
All we really have to do
Is have ourselves a heavenly day.”
Patty Griffin
Wayne...don't forget to bring your suit to Ghana! There's going to be a huge welcome reception and award ceremony for you. Barack asked me to make sure you get the message because you'll offend them if you get there and are dressed casually. I hope to see you on Saturday.
ReplyDeleteHey , Jon picked me up from profile motors ( 8000 mile tune up and highway bars w/ pegs, your going to love them ) and we stopped in to almost there for a few beers and toasted our buddy who was in flight. Do you hear the ringing in your ears?? Anyway we are thinking of you. June 10 and were at Jons for a card game but the lady with legs up to there was late and Lou is thinking about kicking her out of the club.... something is up!
ReplyDeleteJust the three of us played for a while and Lou get the deal and says $2.00 up for Black jack and said all I can loose is $ 4.00 since Wayne is not here. Your name brings a toast, ( so far I’ve consumed 4 beers just in toasting you, I’m going to try hard not to think of you while Im on my bike ), anyway, he gives me 2 aces and I double down and get a 9 and a 8 and I sit, Jon has a 10 showing and Lou turns over a pair of sixes and swallows hard.
He fights the cards and goes bust, pays me double and said "Even when Wayne’s not here, he costs me the game" Another Toast to you and your 14 hour ride and trip down the river.
Then we get down to real business. What will happen to Fryeburg if the Tiltons do not run on New Years Eve!!! The Conway Daily Sun picked up on it and will do a follow up story but need contact information for all your Brothers. So if I step in for you, what are the rules, can I wear sneakers ?? My feet get cold in the summer time! I can play hard but have to know the rules!!