Let Me Tell You a Story . . .

So why would one keep a journal? I recall reading different things through the years. I recall one person who said they learned a lot from reading through the history of a decision process, or just the story of a certain time in their lives. I suppose, in truth, it's different for every individual.

Here are some of my reasons, at least today they are. I remember reading one time in a novel a particular line that has always stuck with me. I don't recall the name of the book. I do remember a little of what it was about. But this is what I remember the most. This one line:

"If it isn't written down, it never happened."

Just in the lives of my grandparents and the 84 years that both my parents lived, I am sure there is so much that happened--that as far as I really know--never happened. I wish I could read the stories I never heard. But like their stories, so often the stories of our lives get lost.

Those stories bring me to my next reason. There are some stories I want to tell. So that someday, my grandchildren will be able to tell their children--what happened. And who knows, just maybe someone else's internet search will discover something to help them along their journey.

One more thing. I have some messages I want to send to the future. So often, for me, it has been the ordinary days of my life that have sent me a message--and taught me the greatest lessons. I am quite sure that the days a 68-year-old man has left will remind me of some of those lessons and bring me new ones to share.

So that's my great hope--that my grandchildren and the generations that follow them will know, it really happened. And the stories and the messages will be passed along.

But enough philosophizing. For now, let me tell you a story . . . .