R. E. S. P. E. C. T. Find out what it means to me...

Life means change.  Growth.  Improvement or death.  The only thing constant in this life is change.  I would not be 20 again for all the dough in Pillsbury Town.  It was too hard.  Learning to be an adult.  As a very wise and wonderful woman once told me (*Diane - Plug here for you!*), young adults are experts at being children, but novices at being an adult.  Very wise words. 

Young adults must learn to interact positively with their peers (which now includes members from all walks of life and all ages).  They have to learn to manage themselves, their finances, their belongings....  They have to learn to manage life and relationships.  And to us who have been around the block a time or two, those memories are bitter-sweet - at least they are to me. 

I remember.... well, perhaps that is a subject for another time.... 

I think the hardest thing to learn is respect.  Respect for others' thoughts, feelings and opinions.  No longer is yours the only one that counts.... now you have to - at least acknowledge - that others have the right to their own opinion.  You do not have the right to ridicule someone else's way of life.  It is not your life, and you have no say in how they live their life.

Recently, a young man (who shall remain nameless to spare him the shame of his behavior) displayed very bad behavior in a public forum.  I was embarrassed for him and I was furious that he would display such a lack of respect for anyone, particularly toward the person/people to whom he displayed it.  SHAME!!!

The fellow who lives with me, loves with me and supports me would NEVER DREAM of talking to me the way this young man did to the young lady he proports to 'adore'.  That was NOT adoring behavior.  Even when the fellow who lives, loves and supports me and I were fighting like the proverbial cats and dogs, he NEVER spoke to me in such a disrespectful manner. 

To that young man, let me give you some advice.  Grow up.  Learn that there are so many ideas, things, opinions, beliefs..... out there.  You have your opinion and you have your belief and you have your ideas.... but they are not for everyone.  Denigrating, belittling and insulting only reflects badly on you.  It does not bring the opposition to your side ---- it further alienates them.

Learn tolerance.  Learn forgiveness.  Learn to love.  Learn to adore. 

....... And NEVER speak to someone like that EVER again.

Restful Afternoon

Nostalgia.  Memories.  Dreams. 

I think back over my life regularly.  Did I do well?  Have I been successful?  Will I continue to be able to make a difference in life?  Am I making other's lives better?

Pretty deep thoughts for a Saturday afternoon.  But as I sit here, listening to the conversation between Child A and the Significant Other....  I miss the past. 

I wish I had taken more time when I had it.  I wish I could spend time with those sweet little children who used to run to me an hug my knees when I got home from work.  What was I doing that was so important?  Why didn't I spend more time with those knee-high joys from my past?

But then I remember -- food.  housing.  Those trappings of 'success' that are required.  I felt I had to put food on the table for those tricycle motors, and shoes on thier feet, and a trip to the ice cream parlor when they wanted.....

Now I know why grandbabies are so important..... they give us another chance to be the person we should have been when we didn't.... wouldn't..... couldn't.  I would wish for another chance.  Please....?

Thank you.