Biker15k FF Member's blog: "~ Life ~"

There was a man who had four sons. He wanted his sons to learn not to judge things too quickly. So he sent them each on a quest, in turn, to go and look at a pear tree that was a great distance away. The first son went in the winter, the second in the spring, the third in summer, and the youngest son in the fall. When they had all gone and come back, he called them together to describe what they had seen. The first son said that the tree was ugly, bent, and twisted. The second son said no it was covered with green buds and full of promise. The third son disagreed; he said it was laden with blossoms that smelled so sweet and looked so beautiful, it was the most graceful thing he had ever seen. The last son disagreed with all of them; he said it was ripe and drooping with fruit, full of life and fulfillment. The man then explained to his sons that they were all right, because they had each seen but only one season in the tree's life. He told them that you cannot judge a tree, or a person, by only one season, and that the essence of who they are and the pleasure, joy, and love that come from that life can only be measured at the end, when all the seasons are up. If you give up when it's winter, you will miss the promise of your spring, the beauty of your summer, fulfillment of your fall. Moral lessons: Don't let the pain of one season destroy the joy of all the rest. Don't judge life by one difficult season. Persevere through the difficult patches and better times are sure to come some time or later.

I OWE MY PARENTS!! 1. My parents taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE. "If you're going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning." 2. My parents taught me RELIGION. "You better pray that will come out of the carpet." 3. My parents taught me about TIME TRAVEL. "If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week!" 4. My parents taught me LOGIC. " Because I said so, that's why." 5. My parents taught me MORE LOGIC. "If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you're not going to the store with me." 6. My parents taught me FORESIGHT. "Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident." 7. My parents taught me IRONY. "Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry about." 8. My parents taught me about the science of OSMOSIS. "Shut your mouth and eat your supper." 9. My mother taught me about CONTORTIONIST. "Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!" 10. My mother taught me about STAMINA. "You'll sit there until all that spinach is gone." 11. My parents taught me about WEATHER. "This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it." 12 My parents taught me about HYPOCRISY. "If I told you once, I've told you a million times. Don't exaggerate!" 13 My parents taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE. "I brought you into this world, and I can take you out." 14. My parents taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION. "Stop acting like your father!" 15. My parents taught me about ENVY. "There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't have wonderful parents like you do." 16. My parents taught me about ANTICIPATION. "Just wait until we get home." 17. My parents taught me about RECEIVING. "You are going to get it when you get home!" 18. My parents taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE. "If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to freeze that way." 19. My parents taught me ESP. "Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you are cold?" 20. My parents taught me HUMOR. "When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me." 21. My parents taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT. "If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up." 22. My parents taught me GENETICS. "You're just like your father." 23. My parents taught me about my ROOTS. "Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?" 24. My parents taught me WISDOM. "When you get to be my age, you'll understand." 25. My parents taught me about JUSTICE. "One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you

This is a Awesome animation of the Life Cycle of a Woman. I hope you enjoy it

THIS IS WHAT TRUE LOVE IS ALL ABOUT It was a busy morning, approximately 8:30 am, when an elderly gentleman in his 80's, arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He stated that he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9 am. I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would be able to see him. I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound. On exam it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound. While taking care of his wound, we began to engage in conversation I asked him if he had a doctor's appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry. The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife. I then inquired as to her health. He told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer Disease. As we talked, and I finished dressing his wound, I asked if she would be worried if he was a bit late. He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she has not recognized him in five years now. I was surprised, and asked him. "And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are?" He smiled as he patted my hand and said. "She doesn't know me, but I still know who she is." I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought, "That is the kind of love I want in my life." True love is neither physical nor romantic. True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be and will not be. With all the jokes and fun that are in e-mails, sometimes there are some that come along that have an important message and this is one of those kind. "THE HAPPIEST OF PEOPLE DON'T NECESSARILY HAVE THE BEST OF EVERYTHING; THEY JUST MAKE THE BEST OF EVERYTHING THAT COMES ALONG THEIR WAY."

SUBJECT: Update! DATE: 1/20/2006 FROM: hubby@office.com TO: wife@homefront.com Dear Wife....I'm sending you this email to bring up to date on the events of our family. I tried to talk to you while you were on your computer, but you just kept telling me that you would BRB.....whatever that means. So, I decided to send you this email. John Jr. cut his first tooth today. He's the one you bounce on your knee while typing. Remember how he giggles when he hears the Ut Oh sound? Sorry about him dropping his peanut butter sandwich on your keyboard. Is it working okay since I cleaned it up for you? Can you read the letters I tried to paint back on your keyboard? Most of them had been rubbed off. Susie had her first date Saturday night. She had a good time and said to thank you for letting them use your car. She put the keys back on the key rack underneath the cobwebs where she found them. Do you realize that she wears the same size clothes as you do? In case you've forgotten her, she's the one who has you raise your feet when she's running the sweeper. Tim is playing football. He looks forward to going to school now that he has a sport to play. He wanted to know if you would come to one of his games if we bought you a laptop to bring along? Do you remember him? He's the one who empties your porta potty for you. Lets see.....since the last time I wrote you (3 months ago), the refrigerator had to be replaced, the dog died from old age, your mother and dad painted the room where your computer is (hope you like the color), the church has a new pastor, the President has been impeached, and oh yes..... I have a new job. Well, I think that's about it. I'll email you again in about 3 months. You take care of yourself honey. We all "miss" you very much and will see you the next time the power goes off! Love, Your Husband

We have enjoyed all the redneck jokes for years. It's time to take a reflective look at the core beliefs of a culture that values their home, family, country and God. If I had to stand before a dozen terrorists who threaten my life, I'd choose a half dozen or so rednecks to back me up. Tire irons, squirrel guns and grit -- that's what rednecks are made of. I hope I am one of those. If you feel the same, pass this on to your redneck friends. Ya'll know who ya' are... You might be a redneck if: It never occurred to you to be offended by the phrase, "One nation, under God." You might be a redneck if: You've never protested about seeing the 10 Commandments posted in public places. You might be a redneck if: You still say "Christmas" instead of "Winter Festival." You might be a redneck if: You bow your head when someone prays. You might be a redneck if: You stand and place your hand over your heart when they play the National Anthem. You might be a redneck if: You treat Viet Nam vets with great respect, and always have. You might be a redneck if: You've never burned an American flag. You might be a redneck if: You know what you believe and you aren't afraid to say so, no matter who is listening. You might be a redneck if: You respect your elders and expect your kids to do the same. You might be a redneck if: You'd give your last dollar to a friend. If you got this email from me, it is because I believe that you, like me, have just enough Red Neck in you to have the same beliefs as those talked about in this email. God Bless the USA!

"Come through for others and they will come through for you." Denis Waitley ************************************************* 7 Gifts that Multiply Happiness by Steve Brunkhorst Did you know that there are gifts that will multiply your happiness when you give them away? Here are seven of those gifts. Giving these gifts will allow you to share with others your most unique treasure: your authentic self. Each gift will return to you many times. As you read about each of these gifts, think about ways that you could share that gift with someone today. 1. Share appreciation Tell someone how much you appreciate the faith they've shown in you. Thank them sincerely for being part of your life. Tell them how much they are needed. Feeling appreciated is one of the most important needs that people have. When you share with someone your appreciation and gratitude, they will not forget you. Appreciation will return to you many times. 2. Share time Balance your time expenditures so you can spend time with the people that you love. Support local organizations by sharing your special talents. Volunteer time for projects that benefit others in your community, country, and world. When we slow down and observe our thoughts closely, we will sometimes uncover gifts and talents we didn't know we had. Sharing time and talents can result in discoveries that bring happiness beyond measure. 3. Share knowledge and ideas Tell someone about a great book that you read so they can benefit from it too. Teach a new concept or idea that you've learned. One of the best ways to strengthen new concepts in your mind is to share them with others. The more often you share what you've learned, the stronger that information will become in your memory. Sharing knowledge also provides solutions to problems. The more knowledge we share, the more knowledge we receive in return. 4. Share friendship Acknowledge someone's strengths. Let them know that you are willing to be there when they need you. Visit someone you haven't seen for a long time. Telephone friends or relatives who live far away. Introduce two friends who don't know each other. Bringing one individual into another's life can result in tremendous changes for both people, and for you. We succeed with the help of others. People grow by growing together. If you'd like to have many friends, then share friendship with others generously. 5. Share kindness Perform a random act of kindness for someone: a smile, compliment, or a favor just for fun. These will multiply and spread very rapidly. There is a powerful quote by Stephen Jay Gould who said, "The center of human nature is rooted in ten thousand ordinary acts of kindness that define our days." Kindness is priceless. The love, kindnesses, and value we have given authentically to others will be our remaining treasures at the end of life. 6. Share experience Keep written or photo journals of your life: things you've done, places you've traveled, things you've learned. Record successes and failures. Share a happy memory. Also share the difficult times that have helped you become stronger and wiser. When shared, the value of these experiences multiplies. Our unique experiences and perceptions of life are priceless. Sharing experiences will build one of the strongest bonds with others. Our descendants can learn and benefit from our lifetime experiences for generations to come. 7. Share enthusiasm If you are excited about a new success, tell someone. If you're ecstatic about a new project, show your glow. Your enthusiasm will inspire others to move forward with actions that bring rewarding achievements. Enthusiasm keeps us looking forward to the future. It brings many of those exciting days that we can savor with gratitude. That kind of glowing excitement for life is impossible to hide. It is contagious and will quickly spread to others. Think about this statement by Norman MacEwan: "Happiness is not so much in having as sharing. We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." Sharing these gifts sends our thoughts on a far-reaching journey where they will touch many lives, and reconnect with our own. Would you like to receive these same life-enhancing gifts again and again? Begin multiplying your happiness by sharing one of these special gifts with someone today! ************************************************ "It is one of the most beautiful compensations of life, that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself." Ralph Waldo Emerson ************************************************ Timeless joy Every joy you've experienced, even years and years ago, is still with you. Time and events can take away the conditions and surroundings of that joy, yet they can never take away the joy itself. Joy has no need of being remembered, for it is always with you. All you have to do is allow it to fill your heart, and it will. The terrain will change, the colors will fade, the sounds will grow silent and other experiences will take their place. Yet the joy is always as fresh and new, as sweet and revitalizing as ever. Even when memories grow dim, the joy will shine ever more brightly. For joy is truly timeless. Put joy into your life and it will always be there. The more often you let it touch you and fill you, the more of it there will be. Put joy into your moments and create value that you can always draw upon. Spread joy to others and you give a gift that will keep on giving, over and over again. Ralph Marston ************************************************* "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." Norman MacEwan

The old man sat in his gas station on a cold Christmas Eve. He hadn't been anywhere in years since his wife had passed away. It was just another day to him. He didn't hate Christmas, just couldn't find a reason to celebrate. He was sitting there looking at the snow that had been falling for the last hour and wondering what it was all about when the door opened and a homeless man stepped through. Instead of throwing the man out, Old George as he was known by his customers, told the man to come and sit by the heater and warm up. "Thank you, but I don't mean to intrude," said the stranger. "I see you're busy, I'll just go." "Not without something hot in your belly." George said. He turned and opened a wide mouth Thermos and handed it to the stranger. "It ain't much, but it's hot and tasty, "Stew ... made it myself. When you're done, there's coffee and it's fresh." Just at that moment he heard the "ding" of the driveway bell. "Excuse me, be right back," George said. There in the driveway was an old '53 Chevy. Steam was rolling out of the front. The driver was panicked. "Mister can you help me!" said the driver, with a deep Spanish accent. "My wife is with child and my car is broken." George opened the hood. It was bad. The block looked cracked from the cold, the car was dead. "You ain't going in this thing," George said as he turned away. "But Mister, please help ." The door of the office closed behind George as he went inside. He went to the office wall and got the keys to his old truck, and went back outside. He walked around the building, opened the garage, started the truck and drove it around to where the couple was waiting. "Here, take my truck," he said. "She ain't the best thing you ever looked at, but she runs real good." George helped put the woman in the truck and watched as it sped off into the night. He turned and walked back inside the office. "Glad I gave 'em the truck, their tires were shot too. That 'ol truck has brand new ." George thought he was talking to the stranger, but the man had gone. The Thermos was on the desk, empty, with a used coffee cup beside it. "Well, at least he got something in his belly," George thought. George went back outside to see if the old Chevy would start. It cranked slowly, but it started. He pulled it into the garage where the truck had been. He thought he would tinker with it for something to do. Christmas Eve meant no customers. He discovered the the block hadn't cracked, it was just the bottom hose on the radiator. "Well, shoot, I can fix this," he said to himself. So he put a new one on. "Those tires ain't gonna get 'em through the winter either." He took the snow treads off of his wife's old Lincoln. They were like new and he wasn't going to drive the car anyway. As he was working, he heard shots being fired. He ran outside and beside a police car an officer lay on the cold ground. Bleeding from the left shoulder, the officer moaned, "Please help me." George helped the officer inside as he remembered the training he had received in the Army as a medic. He knew the wound needed attention. "Pressure to stop the bleeding," he thought. The uniform company had been there that morning and had left clean shop towels. He used those and duct tape to bind the wound. "Hey, they say duct tape can fix anythin'," he said, trying to make the policeman feel at ease. "Something for pain," George thought. All he had was the pills he used for his back. "These ought to work." He put some water in a cup and gave the policeman the pills. "You hang in there, I'm going to get you an ambulance." The phone was dead. "Maybe I can get one of your buddies on that there talk box out in your car." He went out only to find that a bullet had gone into the dashboard destroying the two way radio. He went back in to find the policeman sitting up. "Thanks," said the officer. "You could have left me there. The guy that shot me is still in the area." George sat down beside him, "I would never leave an injured man in the Army and I ain't gonna leave you." George pulled back the bandage to check for bleeding. "Looks worse than what it is. Bullet passed right through 'ya. Good thing it missed the important stuff though. I think with time your gonna be right as rain." George got up and poured a cup of coffee. "How do you take it?" he asked. "None for me," said the officer. "Oh, yer gonna drink this. Best in the city. Too bad I ain't got no donuts." The officer laughed and winced at the same time. The front door of the office flew open. In burst a young man with a gun. "Give me all your cash! Do it now!" the young man yelled. His hand was shaking and George could tell that he had never done anything like this before. "That's the guy that shot me!" exclaimed the officer. "Son, why are you doing this?" asked George, "You need to put the cannon away. Somebody else might get hurt." The young man was confused. "Shut up old man, or I'll shoot you, too. Now give me the cash!" The cop was reaching for his gun. "Put that thing away," George said to the cop, "we got one too many in here now." He turned his attention to the young man. "Son, it's Christmas Eve. If you need money, well then, here. It ain't much but it's all I got. Now put that pee shooter away." George pulled $150 out of his pocket and handed it to the young man, reaching for the barrel of the gun at the same time. The young man released his grip on the gun, fell to his knees and began to cry. "I'm not very good at this am I? All I wanted was to buy something for my wife and son," he went on. "I've lost my job, my rent is due, my car got repossessed last week ..." George handed the gun to the cop. Son, we all get in a bit of squeeze now and then. The road gets hard sometimes, but we make it through the best we can." He got the young man to his feet, and sat him down on a chair across from the cop. "Sometimes we do stupid things." George handed the young man a cup of coffee. "Bein' stupid is one of the things that makes us human. Comin' in here with a gun ain't the answer. Now sit there and get warm and we'll sort this thing out." The young man had stopped crying. He looked over to the cop. "Sorry I shot you. It just went off. I'm sorry officer." "Shut up and drink your coffee." the cop said. George could hear the sounds of sirens outside. A police car and an ambulance skidded to a halt. Two cops came through the door, guns drawn. "Chuck! You ok?" one of the cops asked the wounded officer. "Not bad for a guy who took a bullet. How did you find me?" "GPS locator in the car. Best thing since sliced bread. Who did this?" the other cop asked as he approached the young man. Chuck answered him, "I don't know. The guy ran off into the dark. Just dropped his gun and ran." George and the young man both looked puzzled at each other. "That guy work here?," the wounded cop continued. "Yep," George said, "just hired him this morning. Boy lost his job." The paramedics came in and loaded Chuck onto the stretcher. The young man leaned over the wounded cop and whispered, "Why?" Chuck just said, "Merry Christmas boy ... and you too, George, and thanks for everything." "Well, looks like you got one doozy of a break there. That ought to solve some of your problems." George went into the back room and came out with a box. He pulled out a ring box. "Here you go, something for the little woman. I don't think Martha would mind. She said it would come in handy some day." The young man looked inside to see the biggest diamond ring he ever saw. "I can't take this," said the young man. "It means something to you." "And now it means something to you," replied George. "I got my memories. That's all I need." George reached into the box again. An airplane, a car and a truck appeared next. They were toys that the oil company had left for him to sell. "Here's something for that little man of yours." The young man began to cry again as he handed back the $150 that the old man had handed him earlier. "And what are you supposed to buy Christmas dinner with? You keep that too," George said, "Now git home to your family." The young man turned with tears streaming down his face. "I'll be here in the morning for work, if that job offer is still good." "Nope. I'm closed Christmas day," George said. "See ya the day after." George turned around to find that the stranger had returned. "Where'd you come from? I thought you left?" "I have been here. I have always been here," said the stranger. "You say you don't celebrate Christmas. Why?" "Well, after my wife passed away, I just couldn't see what all the bother was. Puttin' up a tree and all seemed a waste of a good pine tree. Bakin' cookies like I used to with Martha just wasn't the same by myself and besides I was gettin' a little chubby." The stranger put his hand on George's shoulder. "But you do celebrate the holiday, George." "You gave me food and drink and warmed me when I was cold and hungry. The woman with child will bear a son and he will become a great doctor. The policeman you helped will go on to save 19 people from being killed by terrorists. The young man who tried to rob you will make you a rich man and not take any for himself." "That is the spirit of the season and you keep it as good as any man." George was taken aback by all this stranger had said. "And how do you know all this?" asked the old man. "Trust me, George. I have the inside track on this sort of thing. And when your days are done you will be with Martha again." The stranger moved toward the door. "If you will excuse me, George, I have to go now. I have to go home where there is a big celebration planned." George watched as the old leather jacket and the torn pants that the stranger was wearing turned into a white robe. A golden light began to fill the room. "You see, George .... it's My birthday. Merry Christmas." George fell to his knees and replied, "Happy Birthday, Lord." ~ author unknown ~

When an old lady died in the geriatric ward of a small hospital near Dundee, Scotland, it was believed that she had nothing left of any value. Later, when the nurses were going through her meager possessions, they found this poem. Its' quality and content so impressed the staff that copies were made and distributed to every nurse in the hospital One nurse took her copy to Ireland. The old lady's sole bequest to posterity has since appeared in the Christmas edition of the News Magazine of the North Ireland Association for Mental Health. A slide presentation has also been made based on her simple, but eloquent, poem. And this little old Scottish lady, with nothing left to give to the world, is now the author of this "anonymous" poem winging across the Internet: Crabby Old Woman What do you see, nurses? What do you see? What are you thinking When you're looking at me? A crabby old woman, Not very wise, Uncertain of habit, With faraway eyes? Who dribbles her food And makes no reply When you say in a loud voice, "I do wish you'd try!" Who seems not to notice The things that you do, And forever is losing A stocking or shoe? Who, resisting or not, Lets you do as you will, With bathing and feeding, The long day to fill. Is that what you're thinking? Is that what you see? Then open your eyes, nurse, You're not looking at me I'll tell you who I am As I sit here so still, As I do at your bidding, As I eat at your will. I'm a small child of ten With a father and mother, Brothers and sisters, Who love one another. A young girl of sixteen With wings on her feet Dreaming that soon now A lover she'll meet. A bride soon at twenty, My heart gives a leap, Remembering the vows That I promised to keep At twenty-five now, I have young of my own, Who need me to guide And a secure happy home. A woman of thirty, MY young now grown fast, Bound to each other With ties that should last. At forty, my young sons Have grown and are gone, But my man's beside me To see I don't mourn. At fifty once more, Babies play round my knee, Again we know children, My loved one and me. Dark days are upon me, My husband is dead, I look at the future, I shudder with dread. For my young are all rearing Young of their own, And I think of the years And the love that I've known. I'm now an old woman And nature is cruel; 'Tis jest to make old age Look like a fool. The body, it crumbles, Grace and vigor depart, There is now a stone Where I once had a heart. But inside this old carcass A young girl still dwells, And now and again, My battered heart swells. I remember the joys, I remember the pain, And I'm loving and living Life over again. I think of the years All too few, gone too fast, And accept the stark fact That nothing can last. So open your eyes, people, Open and see, Not a crabby old woman; Look closer . . . see ME!! Remember this poem when you next meet an old person who you might brush aside without looking at the young soul within .. we will all, one day, be there, too!

A Broken Heart Bob Perks Facing her first Valentine's Day after a loss, a woman receives an unexpected gift. She walked into the room and his eyes lit up. She didn't have to say a word. Just being there was proof enough that she loved him. They had both lost someone they loved. So this day, of all days, was a difficult one. She wanted to make this work. She was hurt, lonely and afraid. It wasn't supposed to be this way. But the fact was he knew how she felt. There was an obvious pain in his heart, too. So the one thing that strengthened their love for each other was heartache -- the most sorrowful kind. Their eyes locked. He smiled and she responded. He had a special way of bringing a smile to her face. It was the little things he would do that would touch her heart. But we all know that the essence of true love and commitment is in the little things. She stood there in the doorway and he motioned to her to sit next to him. Not trusting the childish grin he now had on his face, she hesitated for a moment, but gave in. She always did. She sat at the far end of the couch teasing him, he quickly responded by sliding right next to her. She laughed and he knew it was alright. He seemed to be stumbling for just the right words. There was an awkward moment of silence between them. In an effort to calm his nerves she reached over and held his hand. He looked at her with a grateful smile and returned the favor by placing his hand on hers. They looked at each other again, somehow knowing that this was a difficult time for both of them. Then suddenly he reached behind the pillow placed strategically nearby. He pulled out a large red envelope and nervously handed it to her. She snapped back with a look of surprise because she really hadn't expected this. "Wait, this goes with it," he said. Then he handed her a small box, wrapped perfectly in white tissue paper of hearts and flowers. She couldn't believe what was happening. How could he have pulled this off? And why? "Now," he said, "read the card." In great anticipation she ripped the envelope without hesitating. She wanted desperately to see what he had to say to her. She hung on every word. It read as follows: I know that this isn't easy for you. It has been a tough year for both of us. I know that Valentine's Day is a special day for people in love. I am sure that you would rather be out at a fancy dinner, I'm sorry. But I want you to know that... I love you. I know that Valentines are supposed to get chocolate. I went to the store today to buy some for you. I got the last piece. I told the clerk it was just perfect. She stopped for a moment and looked at him. Her eyes sparkled in the light as tears formed in each corner. He knew he had done the right thing. Slowly she unwrapped the box, careful not to rip the paper for she was sure that this was a keeper, a moment she will never forget. Removing the lid she found a chocolate heart that was broken into pieces along with a note: The lady said all she had left was a broken heart. I told her so did we. I am so sorry that Dad left us, Mom. But I just wanted you to know we still have each other. Happy Valentines Day, Love, Your son, Adam