Walk With Me

SCHOOL

    This morning I accompanied my first grandson to his first day of school. The little guy doesn't realize that this is the start of a lifetime of institutional learning. He doesn't see the expenses that have just started to roll in, the hours of sweat and sleepless nights, the germs he will start sharing with his classmates, the traveling miles, the thousands of packed school lunches, the friendships he will nurture as well as the enemies he will create. I looked at his parents and I saw their hopes and dreams in their young investment. Wasn't that me not too long ago? Am I now standing where my parents stood when I was dropped off to a similar environment? I remember my 1st day of school, I was late and I sat on a bench outside the hallway. I didn't know I was supposed to go inside the classroom. If not for the head teacher patrolling the area, I would have parked there the rest of the day.

    I was not prepared for school. Being the second child it was assumed that I already knew what to do. (Actually,I think my parents told me but I was too dumb to remember). It was assumed that I knew how to answer a test paper --- I knew the answers but no one told me I had to encircle it. No one told me it was good to participate in class. I always thought it was polite to keep quiet. No one told me about enemies. My seatmate who I was introduced as my new best friend turned out to be a bully. I didn't know why I had to go to school. They didn't know what was happening and I didn't know what to ask. I went with the flow.

   Life can be tough. But "tough" is a relative term. A shoeless kid growing up in an underdeveloped area who needs to carry jugs of water from a nearby stream and shepherd goats --- now THAT's tough!

    Have you noticed that those who grow up deprived also mature faster? It is during this period when one either grows bitter and chooses the "dark side" or is loved and chooses the "good side." Morals/values: respect, appreciation, integrity, honesty, love for others, fear of God, etc. These things are picked up between school, home and society. Good or bad, they stick with you for the rest of your life.

   First day of formal training? Yes. First day of understanding life? No. That started on day one. Parenting is such an awesome responsibility. God bless all you parents. God bless the child.

Wisdom from Joji of Antipolo, Philippines

Walk With Me While I Age
A beautiful Poem About Growing Older
Contributed by Tom of Pasadena, CA

I hope this poem has the same effect on you as it did on me - then my forwarding it will be worth the effort.

Walk with me while I age!

I forgot the words.

I forgot my glasses.

I forgot my hearing aid.

Ah forget it! Who wants to walk while I age anyway!

AND NOW THE CONTINUING SAGA OF ...

2 Political Picture Jokes

I don't usually share political stuff but these were too good not to share. To be fair, I'm putting one for the Republicans and one for the Democrats. Chill out guys. Don't be too serious.

Videos of the week:

Two Germans Taste-Test Helium Infused Beer
Contributed by Rodney of Manitoba

The Germans are noted for their love of beer. Here are 2 beer critics who are about to sample a new American invention --- beer injected with helium. I love their uncontrollable laughter --- was it the beer or the gas that affected their brains?

Click Here for Drama
Contributed by Rodney of Manitoba, B.C.

Belgians are not known for their active lifestyle. Life is pretty boring (so they say). See what happens when someone places a button in the middle of a town.

Cat Using Sign Language for Food
Contributed by Don of Kelowna. B.C.

Are animals getting smarter or have they always been and we just never realized it before. This is one smart cat.

An Admiral's Commencement Speech
Contributed by Art of Pasadena, CA

There is a science behind the madness of a military bootcamp. The lessons actually prepare you for life --- how to address it, survive with it and live by it.

Military Boneyard
Contributed by John of Long Beach, CA

Not a video but a website: In times of war, nations produce volumes of military artillery in order to topple their enemies. But did you know that there usually is a surplus of this stuff that needs to be disposed of after the war? In the Philippines the surplus army jeeps were converted into public transportation. To this day, "jeepneys" are still in business.

A website and videos: An interesting product developed from a creative Japanese. Buy stocks now while you still can.

Cruisin' for a bruisin'
Contributed by Charlie of New Jersey

The Love Boat --- this is not! When you get on a cruise with a huge discount, make sure you check the weather forecast first.

The Man and The Dog
Contributed by Mike of New York

What would happen if you die and you leave your pet behind? Watch this poignant video of life as seen from a dog's eyes. Have a great weekend guys! TGIF!