4th of July Friends

Good Lord it’s been a minute since I had time to write!

I always like to put some serious thoughts behind my blog posts, but life has a way of bogging you down.  That said, I find myself with a relaxing 4^th of July evening on my hands and decided that the ‘ol blog needed some love.

Doubtless if you’re in America you are getting to enjoy some 4^th celebration of one kind or the other.  Hopefully you are at least. 

I didn’t do much other than have some quality time in the gym and lunch with a few friends. As is our way, we talk about the sad state of affairs in US politics, goings on in our circle of mutual friends, work etc.  Of late however things have been down beat.  Our careers have us all overworked to say the least.  We collectively worry about our country.  We worry about our aging families. 

As we sat having a few drinks after lunch I had a moment of “I really needed this.” I needed a recharge of the soul I suppose.  

It’s an amazing thing, friends.  They are not like family at all. You can’t choose your family and someday's you sure wish you could.  Your friends though, that’s a whole different matter.  You get to choose people who are like you, who understand you and who when the chips are down will come running to be by your side.

I’m lucky, and so often I forget that fact. I need to work on remembering that more often.  I have some of the most amazing folks to call friends.  Today, I was reminded of that fact, and I’m glad I was.

In my circle, one friend is facing a divorce, another has lost a dear family member and through it all it seems that it’s never a pity party, it’s a how can we help party. Sometimes, you can’t do anything but lend a gentle ear and shoulder.  Sometimes you can do more, and with the bunch I run with, that’s a normal thing.

So, on this 4^th of July I wish you all a happy day. Remember what today represents, freedom from oppression and tyranny, the pursuit of liberty and self-determination. Remember that there are those who are not so lucky in either family or life situation. Set out tomorrow to help reinforce the reason for today.

Until next time.