Endless Asphalt

Hello everyone, we’re back to another change of the month and another day ahead of us. We are in the middle of the holiday season with Thanksgiving under our belts and Christmas and New Year’s lying ahead. Hopefully everyone remembered that Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful for the things that we have and not the things that we don’t. It’s always easy for us to get wrapped in to worrying about how to move ahead and forget to be grateful for the position that we’re in now, no matter how negative it may seem. After all, even the worst times of our lives can teach us something if we approach it with our eyes wide open.

With the holiday season upon us, many things are taking place. Some wonderful and some not so much. There’s tremendous stress during this time of the year as we gear up for the year ahead. What I’d like to touch on this time is that along with this joyous season, many of us suffer from forms of depression or loneliness.

Always be aware that the person with a smile on their face, maybe hiding something that could have very negative consequences. If you find someone that’s feeling depressed and you feel that they’re traveling in a negative direction that could be detrimental to their well-being, speak up. Unlike the days of the past, there are many places that can help someone who is going through the tough things that life can dish out to us.

Unfortunately, I feel the concept of family has changed dramatically over the past 30 years. Families used to get together and celebrate as a unit and check on one another to make sure we’re alright. Doesn’t seem that way now for some of us. This often stems from the loss of a loved one who seemed to be the one that brought it all together. I know for me, it was my grandmother. She would always have a way of uniting the entire family during the holiday season. Never could understand how that woman was able to accomplish so much for so many for so many years. I find it a challenge to cook three items for one dinner for myself, let alone 20 items for 50 people. Absolutely amazing.

I guess what I’m trying to say is, if we lose that pivotal person that brought everyone together and made a family what a family is supposed to be, someone should step up to help fill that void. As it is with friends and people we’ve met in our lives, people drift apart either from distance, changes of opinion, changes of viewpoint and so on and so forth. This happens with family as well.

Sometimes the loss of that important person who did so many things for so many people, seems to initiate the disillusion of those family ties that they helped keep together. When was the last time you spoke with your parents or brothers and sisters or cousins etc.? Sometimes it just means picking up the phone or sending a text and saying something as simple as, “was thinking about you today. Hope everything is well.” Everyone should remember that once we lose someone who has been close to us and that we love dearly, they will not physically return to us. All we are left with is our memories and maybe some photos, momentous, and stories to tell.

Luckily for everyone reading this, you are in possession of a great resource for memory building. There are events coming up that should hopefully supercharge your holiday spirit. And with that said, look into the groups you spend your charitable dollars with. If the money or items collected go more toward the people running it than those who need it, you know what to do. Unfortunately, some are in it for personal gain and notoriety. I leave my donations anonymous.

Keep in mind that there are many families throughout Florida who have lost everything in the recent hurricanes that are still struggling to reassemble their lives. That goes for the tornado victims and other national catastrophes as well. If you need a reminder of how fortunate your position is at the moment, keep them in mind. I know they can use your help. I’ve seen it firsthand and it leaves an impression on you.

Sorry to be a drag at the end, but life is what it is. Life is one big ride with lots of destinations. You control the direction it takes with the decisions you make. Remember, you don’t have to be a scumbag to be successful. Look out for your fellow man and woman, don’t use them.

Don’t leave anyone behind, don’t forget your past or where you came from, and forge forward to a better tomorrow. Ride safe, enjoy your ride, and make those memories. To everyone out there reading this, I wish you a very happy holiday season, and with deepest sincerity, hope you all have a prosperous new year.