This morning, I've finished orbiting the sun for the 70th time. I didn't [probably shouldn't have made 35-40] think I'd get this far. I have mixed feelings about all of this.
I've led a very blessed life. Even in it's lowest points, I learned things and became a stronger person. I've had so many high points, that I'm ashamed to admit that I've lost count. The number of great adventures and thrills, rubbing shoulders with people of notoriety, and enjoying all the wonders that America and life offers. Then there's family.... You can't choose them, but the blood tie will always have a bond with those you were brought-up with. I've already lost all but a sister and brother, who aren't a major part of my life. We've just grown farther apart with time. I still love them.
Then there's friends. This is the most important part to me. You get to choose them, and mostly decide what direction your relationships go. I've had and have, so many great friends. I've lost too many at a young age, and I miss them. There are also many I've lost, due to differing attitudes and opinions. I miss most of them as well. But, life is such...
I treasure true friendships.
My wife. She is the person who keeps me in check, and has given me balance [probably why I'm still here]. We truly love each other, and are actually better best-friends than a married couple. This year will be 25 years of marriage for us. She is my first and last thought, every day. I don't think I need to say more.
My dogs. My relationships with all of our rescued dogs, has given me immense joy and purpose. It's a small thing in the big picture, but has deep meaning for me personally. It's nice to have a living being count on your responsibility and devotion....while returning the purest form of love. Dogs are loyal, to a fault. I/we have been having rescue-Huskies for 35 years....or half my orbits. It's been wonderful.
That brings me to the flip side. I hate having my body slowly go into a non-compliance state. I've had 20 surgeries since turning my early 40's. Most are due to all the stupidly heavy work I did. It was by choice, as I couldn't do the same thing every day, and didn't like being in the same place, either. The other thing I'm not enjoying...is watching the decay of society. Between that and technology controlling everything, I pray for the younger people and don't envy what their lives will be. I pray for major changes. Having been a teen in the early 70's, born white, in America, to two caring parents.....IT DOESN"T GET ANY BETTER.
So, today I'm off to have lunch with my brother and a friend I've known since the 70's and share our birthday. Still have many things to do, and God willing...I've got another 10 orbits. I'm not sure what life will bring, but I hope it's as great as the first 70 orbits have been.
Michael Ricketts. [thankful human]
PS I could go on and on, but have probably bored you to tears, already....
I've led a very blessed life. Even in it's lowest points, I learned things and became a stronger person. I've had so many high points, that I'm ashamed to admit that I've lost count. The number of great adventures and thrills, rubbing shoulders with people of notoriety, and enjoying all the wonders that America and life offers. Then there's family.... You can't choose them, but the blood tie will always have a bond with those you were brought-up with. I've already lost all but a sister and brother, who aren't a major part of my life. We've just grown farther apart with time. I still love them.
Then there's friends. This is the most important part to me. You get to choose them, and mostly decide what direction your relationships go. I've had and have, so many great friends. I've lost too many at a young age, and I miss them. There are also many I've lost, due to differing attitudes and opinions. I miss most of them as well. But, life is such...
I treasure true friendships.
My wife. She is the person who keeps me in check, and has given me balance [probably why I'm still here]. We truly love each other, and are actually better best-friends than a married couple. This year will be 25 years of marriage for us. She is my first and last thought, every day. I don't think I need to say more.
My dogs. My relationships with all of our rescued dogs, has given me immense joy and purpose. It's a small thing in the big picture, but has deep meaning for me personally. It's nice to have a living being count on your responsibility and devotion....while returning the purest form of love. Dogs are loyal, to a fault. I/we have been having rescue-Huskies for 35 years....or half my orbits. It's been wonderful.
That brings me to the flip side. I hate having my body slowly go into a non-compliance state. I've had 20 surgeries since turning my early 40's. Most are due to all the stupidly heavy work I did. It was by choice, as I couldn't do the same thing every day, and didn't like being in the same place, either. The other thing I'm not enjoying...is watching the decay of society. Between that and technology controlling everything, I pray for the younger people and don't envy what their lives will be. I pray for major changes. Having been a teen in the early 70's, born white, in America, to two caring parents.....IT DOESN"T GET ANY BETTER.
So, today I'm off to have lunch with my brother and a friend I've known since the 70's and share our birthday. Still have many things to do, and God willing...I've got another 10 orbits. I'm not sure what life will bring, but I hope it's as great as the first 70 orbits have been.
Michael Ricketts. [thankful human]
PS I could go on and on, but have probably bored you to tears, already....
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