You Never Know

After three days of just miserable weather, we finally got sunshine. All be it, cold as hell sunshine. We long hadn’t gotten back from our daughter’s house. Unlike us our kids can afford heat and hot water. So ever few days we go over there to shit, shower, and shave; but not always in the order. Yeah we live a pretty rugged life, especially these last several years. But even before that, raising four kids on a working man’s salary was never easy. Being the sole breadwinner, decision maker, chief cook and bottle wash; did make for an exciting 30’s and 40’s age wise.

But apparently, I made it and the family did too. All the kids made it through high school, a couple even graduated college, hell even our special needs son made through school. So the inconvenience of no hot water ain’t shit. Still we so often complain when the slightest inconvenience corners our lives. Sometimes they’re little things like the toaster quits working. Sometimes they’re big things like the truck breaking down in another town. Or you have to attend yet another parent/teacher conference about our special needs son. (To this day I’m still know around here as Michael’s Dad).

So in moments of despair or in moments of just plain feeling sorry for myself I’m reminded it’s been worse. The Christmas' where the only presents for the kids came from other people. Or pawning our wedding rings just to put food on the table. (Which is why me and my wife don’t wear wedding bands). To see selfishness and arrogance during hard times rubs me the wrong way. I’d gladly buy food for someone who has nothing to eat. Or give a kind word to someone that needs it, because I’ve been there. So be mindful with your words, careful in your thoughts. You never know someday when you’ll have to walk in those same shoes.

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