This blog is more than an account of Near Death Experiences. It ponders in detail the tough questions of life. Who are you, and why are you here in this physical world? What happens when you die, and is there a judgment? However, most anything could appear here. This is not a news blog, archived posts are just as relevant as new posts. Check the boxes at the top of the page for the Contents, Contact, Forum and other links.
To expose your feelings is to risk exposing your true self.
To place your dreams and ideals before the crowd is to risk embarrassment.
To love is to risk not being loved in return.
To live is to risk dying.
To hope is to risk despair.
To try is to risk failure.
But risks must be taken, because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing at all. The person who risks nothing may avoid sorrow, but he cannot learn, feel, change, grow, love or live. Chained by their fear and certitudes, they are slaves. They have forfeited their freedom.Only the person who risks is free. — Author Unknown
I grew up during World War II, in all the ways a person can. The mood was sober and concentrated, but people were friendly for the most part. Military people were held in high esteem. They got the free meals and the best seats, no one complained. Their lives were on the line for us and we knew it. Solders with their thumbs up on the highway were never passed, and usually taken straight to their destination. It was a far different world than today.
I helped my brother throw a morning newspaper route. Then, in the evenings get out my little red wagon, and collect newspapers, metal, especially aluminum to take to school where there was a large bin to hold them. They were picked up and recycled for the war effort.
It was not uncommon the see a Jeep with two uniformed officers driving down our street. Everyone knew that another family was receiving a Gold Star and news of the loss of a loved one. I also collected money for recent Gold Star families for a wreath to put on their door. Most everyone did something for the war effort. The whole country felt the weight of the war.
I post this for Veterans Day on November 11, to remind us of the sacrifices of military people who willingly lay down their lives for us and the cause of freedom. May we never allow anyone to attack our system of Constitutional Law.
