Southern Illinois University students are moving in. It is an exciting time. They look increasingly younger. The vision of an old man. During my over 32-year career, this was the Olympics of University Life. Nothing was more important than our precious students’ first impression. We who were part of the University Community knew that we were a part of its glory and grace. We wanted to welcome our newest members to the family.

So, we look ahead to see what lies around the next corner. We remember who we were at the beginning of 2025. We want to build on that foundation. Time is changing before our eyes. Those who watch us know that we are evolving. We think we are staying the same, but we are not. The mirror tells the physical story that our inner self is hidden from us. The ‘Ber’ months are full of plans. Jennifer has been a bright light in 2025. Smart, sweet, and kind, she is a pleasure to be around. We continue our quest for meaning. It is a daily journey. Soon will be Labor Day. The end of summer is for practical purposes. Another cookout is in the planning. Perhaps pork chops will be on the menu. I love being retired. It is the best job I have ever had. The close of 2025 will be 15 years.

The media would have us focus outwardly. Nothing is wrong with that until it causes neglect of our souls. For lack of time or purpose, our hearts go untested. There is more than a good job. Money does not buy happiness. The poor among us seek to survive. Hungry children wonder why there is no food for them. Who is in and who is out politically is of little matter when you are hungry.

‘Buba lives on a can of pork-and-beans,’ Earl said of Neva J’s brother Gene. ‘He works cutting limbs out of trees and painting houses, but has little to show for it and not enough to eat,’ Earl continued. ‘He sleeps on a cot in a shack,’ Early noted. ‘I have asked Buba to take dinner with us as often as he likes,’ Earl said. ‘He says that he is satisfied with meager fare and does not want to intrude,’ Earl said. ‘Buba is a proud man who works every day and has nothing to hang his head about,’ Earl said quietly.

‘Murph’ breakfast, lunch, and dinner consist of a hamburger from Mr. Munchy’s restaurant next to his flop house where he lives, Neva J said. ‘Murph is disabled from World War II,’ Neva J continued. ‘Murph asks nothing from family or friends,’ Neva J explained. ‘He comes from the Greatest Generation and expects to provide for himself,’ Neva J said softly. ‘I have never seen Murph without a smile and a positive attitude,’ Neva J assured.

‘Laura Lynn is about ‘Hit’ Velma said with a wide smile. She and her husband Junior lived in a little more than a shack. All of Laura Lynn’s baby teeth were blackened with decay. She was a lovely little girl.

Perhaps this fall we will find answers to life’s persistent questions. There will be Halloween parties and group discussions of Ichabod Crane. Houses will be festooned in orange and black lights. We will bob for apples and enjoy hayrides and hot apple cider. The leaves will turn, and we will take photos. Warm thoughts of the holidays will fill our heads. This will be the prelude to the two big holidays, Thanksgiving and Christmas. We will thank God for our freedom and not concern ourselves with those who made us free. November, December, and January Holiday trips are planned. It is enough to make your head twirl.

My dear friend is home from the hospital. I am so happy.

Great things are around the corner. We are all members of a mission that we have yet to fulfill. I have the same zeal and determination to perform the mission of life as I did when I was twenty. We are coming to the corner quickly. What is our reality today will change as we choose to accept our mission and not let the reel-to-reel tape recording burn up, as in the television show Mission Impossible. Our time is here; this is our moment. We choose to accept the mission.