A good day to be alive. A special day. It is the first day of the rest of our lives. The significance can not be oversold. The older I become I see my friends and colleagues pass the Veil. I wish I had known them better. We all have a temporary Visa to a magnificent realm. I saw Mr. Racoon today. We took each other’s measure. He then walked slowly away, looking for something more interesting. He had a serene countenance. Mr. Racoon wondered if I had taken the wrong fork in the road.

What a journey we are on together. The Old Man was once young in Chicago. He lived on a street that reminded him of the Leave It To Beaver television show. Friends along the street and one who gave Marionette Shows. The Old Man was intrigued by the Marionettes. They had a life of their own. The Old Man thought they were real. Neva J played badminton with her buddy Ivy. George and Helen joined Neva J and Bill and the young Old Man for summer cookouts. Life was good, peaceful and regular until it was not.

The road has many hills and curves. We sneak ahead and look around the next curve. Our past and future destination is ahead and over the next hill. The Old Man sees himself with his sons and wife around the Christmas Tree in front of the humongous picture window.

Ahead, we wonder whether we will reach the end of the journey or if it is the beginning. Our hearts are full, and we have learned a little along the way. We learned to share our toys. Nap time is good. Don’t buck the line or your place in the queue. Everyone hurts. Everyone loves. Help others. Seek no reward. Play nice in the sandbox. We all want to be seen. We all want to be heard. We all want to tell someone our good ideas.

When we began seeking, it seemed time had no end. First was school, then work, and the Golden Years. All whisked by like a weaver’s shuttle. Could it be that indeed time has no end?