10. Roy Orbison – ‘Crying’ 9. Jimmy McShane (Baltimora) – ‘Tarzan Boy’ 8. Kenny Rogers – ‘The Gambler’ 7. Leon Redbone – ‘Live the Good Life Yet’ 6. Patrick Swayze – ‘She’s Like the Wind’ 5. Warren Zevon – ‘Werewolves of London’ 4. Ozzy Osborne – ‘Dreamer’ 3. Tom Petty – ‘I Won’t Back Down’ 2. Meatloaf – ‘Two Out of Three Aint Bad’ 1. Freddy Mercury – ‘Show Must Go On’

It does really suck. I don’t care that it is a part of life. I don’t care that it is inevitable, it still sucks. A life just stops here. Done, over with so much left undone or said. It is not fair! I am aware that God has a plan. I know HE does. I know life is not fair. Everything be one in the end, I believe that. It just doesn’t make me feel better now. I read about so many dying at such young ages with ‘unknown causes’ or cancer or worse. It’s heartbreaking for those left behind to endure such loses. To be comforted only by memories which don’t do the job when we need them to. You feel you will never stop crying. You want to be numb because then maybe you won’t hurt, but then afraid that you will never feel again because a part of you is gone. Cannot replace that part of you. A friend; a child; a spouse; parent; sibling, it doesn’t make it easier. Age is meaningless. ‘Oh they are out of pain’, is worthless right now. ‘They lived a long life’, still so much to do. None of that works because you want that person here and now. To hold onto so to say, ‘I need you. I love you. I’m so happy that I have you.’ Never gets old if you mean it. I don’t like the perceived unpredictability of life. Must enjoy the moment. Not promised tomorrow which is so true. A piece of the puzzle is added or taken away makes the whole puzzle different. That is happening everyday with us not noticing until we stop to see that it happened to us. That is where we go numb or insane. Death is an exit to an unknown continuation. I do not believe that we turn off never to feel again. To know that we turn off means that life is not dead and we have to know that we turned off for it to actually mean something. Life is immortal with two options: broken road or a perfect one. We are not perfect, but faith makes up for that if we accept Jesus Christ. God is immortal but this world is finite. We try to extend the warranty. There is a beginning and an ending like a book. Own the world even though we do not. We found it but we didn’t make it. Prolong our existence with drugs and plastics but we still age with change rolling about. Where is God? HE is standing right here where each of us is. HE is not looking for us, HE knows where we are. HE is the beauty of life in this world. Untainted by corruption of evil. The purity of a song; a sunset; a kind word; a nice meal; a laugh; a hope; a gentle hand expecting nothing in return. We need to turn around with our arms open so HE CAN SAVE US. Tell HIM you need HIM. Tell Him you love HIM because HE loves you. Tell HIM everything on your mind good and bad. Just between you and God. HE listens. It doesn’t work if we don’t accept. We must choose the dark or the light. Knowingly or not we make that choice. Do it with a willingness. The light is hope and the dark is nothing. Christ can and does help us if we let HIM. We don’t have to be alone. God is knocking on the door. HE gives us help through our friends; family; knowledge and talents but we don’t look for God to show us the way. We know squat. Everything we got is Gods. All we got is a choice. I want everyone who reads this to choose Jesus Christ but you have to choose. To love; forgive; be kind; merciful; accept others comes only truly from God. Christ is God. Do we exit this world still, yes, but we don’t have to doubt where we go if we trust God; embrace Jesus Christ and walk with him.

My Dad and I use to have some interesting conversations about various topic. Movies, music, and TV, mainly but, occasionally more odd topics would arise. One in particular is Batman’s sidekick, Robin. There have been five official incarnations of Robin in the comics since the forties and some more well liked then others. Robin has been a girl once, lethal, more of a detective, but always backing Batman up at some point. That brings me to Dad’s favorite nickname for the character. Bullet Boy, the human shield. Yeah, Dad was color blind though he was still aware of the color scheme for Robin. It matches nothing. There is nothing, but maybe circus tents or a parade float that the costume could possibly blend into. Yellow cape, red chest plate with green leggings, and sleeves with black mask, and boots. And a bright yellow belt and a huge ‘R’ on the right side of the chest screaming, "Shoot here!!!" Batman, the greatest detective, is a bit smarter in what he wears. ALL BLACK. No one can see him in the shadows. Bats are nocturnal so the supply of darkness is not lacking. Sure the utility belt and bat insignia are yellow, but easily covered by the black cape. See what I mean? Batman can just go hide in the corner while the bad guys all aim at the frantically moving target, Robin! They all seem to be gymnasts. Did I mention that most of the Robins were orphans? Yeah, street kids who had qualities that made them survivors and no known parentage to avoid lawsuits. Yeah, no comic book company wants that. Never understood why Robin wears a tiny mask that protects nothing. No matter how much body armor you wear a bullet with still crack the skull. That is another thing, is everyone blind? Just because you cannot see the cheek bones does not mean you should be able to recognize who is under the mask! Do worry about the Robins. Even if one dies and is replaced by another, the previous one will return eventually. That has happened already. Robin #2 came back from the dead therefore currently all official Robins are among the living., again Comic books, no one stays dead. Except for Uncle Ben in Spiderman, Batman's parents in Batman, Gwen Stacy in Spiderman, and many more in the main universes, except for Alternate universes or re-writes in the main universe. Simple, right?

15.BASIC SHAPES (Circle; Square; Triangle; Rectangle and Oval) 14.JACKSON FIVE (Jermaine; Marvin; Jackie; Tito and Michael) 13. THE TRAVELING WILBURYS (Roy Orbison; Tom Petty; George Harrison; Bob Dylan and Jeff Lynn) 12.MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS (Red; Black; Blue; Yellow and Pink) 11.DIMENSIONS (Length; Length and Width; Length, Width, and Height; Time and Theoretical) 10.ORIGINAL AVENGERS (Iron Man; The Incredible Hulk; The Wasp; Thor and Giant Man) 9.ORIGINAL X-MEN (Cyclops; Marvel Girl; Ice Man; Angel and Beast) 8.THE SIMPSONS (Homer; Marge; Bart; Lisa and Maggie) 7.TEEN TITANS (Robin; Cyborg; Beast Boy; Starfire and Raven) 6.NO EVIL MONKEYS (See No Evil; Hear No Evil; Speak No Evil; Think No Evil and Do Evil Evil) 5. THE FIRST FIVE DOCTORS (William Hartnell; Patrick Troughton; Jon Pertwee; Tom Baker and Peter Davision) 4.THE MARX BROTHERS (Groucho; Chico; Harpo; Zempo and Gummo) 3.THE INCREDIBLES (Mr. Incredible; Elasti-Girl; Dash; Violet and Jack-Jack) 2.CREW OF THE SATELLITE OF LOVE (Mike Nelson; Cambot; Crow; Gypsy and Tom Servo) 1.MYSTERY INCORPORATED (Fred; Daphne; Velma; Shaggy and Scooby Doo)

20. Four Corners of The World: (East; West; South and North)   19. Food Groups: (Dairy; Protein; Grain and Fruits/Vegetables) 18. Seasons:  (Winter; Spring; Summer and Fall) 17. Elements:  (Earth; Wind; Fire and Water) 16. Mount Rushmore: (George Washington; Abraham Lincoln; Teddy Roosevelt and Thomas Jefferson) 15. A-Team:  (Hannibal, Faceman, B.A. and Murdock) 14.   Fantastic Four:  (Mr. Fantastic; Invisible Woman; Human Torch; The Thing) 13. Phases of Matter:  (Plasma; Vapor; Liquid and Solid) 12. The Ghost of A Christmas Carol:  (Jacob Marley; Past; Present and Future) 11. Voltron Toys: (Stealth Voltron; Lion Voltron; Gladiator Voltron and Vehicle Voltron) 10. KISS: (Gene Simmons; Paul Stanley; Ace Frehley and Peter Criss) 9. The Beatles:  (John Lennon; Paul McCartney; George Harrison and Ringo Starr) 8. Super Mario Brothers 2:  (Mario; Luigi; Princess Toadstool and Toad) 7. The Chipmunks:  (Dave; Alvin; Simon and Theodore)   6. Universal Monsters:  (Dracula; Frankenstein’s Monster; The Mummy and The Wolfman) 5. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: (Leonardo; Donatello; Michelangelo and Raphael) 4. The Real Ghostbusters:  ( Peter Venkman ; Egon Spengler ; Ray Stantz , Winston Zeddemore ) 3. The Monkees:  (Michael Nesmith; Mickey Dolenz; Davey Jones and Peter Tork) 2. Queen: (Freddy Mercury; Brian May; John Deacon and Rodger Taylor) 1. Gospel Writers:  (Matthew; Mark; Luke and John)

I was bored so I sat down and came up with a list of random favorite stuff which has no rhyme or reason to be on a list but I decided to go that way. Also, like one changes clothes, this list will most likely change tomorrow or five minutes from now. By the way, in case anyone asks, no I do not really watch that much TV. I research a lot of topics that interest me but am a addict for Doctor Who; Comics; Music and Animation. Favorite Historical Figure That Actually Changed The World: Jesus Christ Favorite War: There Is No Such Thing As A Favorite War Favorite Series Based On A Film Series: Highlander Favorite Short Lived Comic Book Based Animated Series: Cyber Six Favorite Power Rangers Series: Power Rangers Lost Galaxy Favorite Fantasy Film: Labyrinth Favorite Season of 'Super Friends': 'Super Powers Team Galactic Guardians Favorite Eagles Song: 'Desperado' Favorite Pink Floyd Song: 'Comfortably Numb' Favorite Cinderella Song: 'Don't Know What You Got Til It's Gone' Favorite One Hit Wonder: A-Ha - 'Take On Me' Favorite Mexican Dish: Tamale Favorite Color: Blue Favorite Hanna Barbara Character: Tom And Jerry Favorite Magazine: Infinity Magazine (Pop Culture) Favorite Game Show: The Chase Favorite Comedy Film: 'Best Little Whore House In Texas' Favorite Queen Song: 'Show Must Go On' Favorite Rod Stewart Song: 'Tonight's The Night' Favorite Elton John Song: 'The One' Favorite Phil Collins: 'I Wish It Rain Down' Favorite British Cartoon: 'Danger Mouse' Favorite Fictional Duck: Count Duckula Favorite Soup: Cream of Potato Favorite Salad: Julienne Favorite Season: Fall Favorite Topic: Pop Culture Favorite Politician: Don't Have One Favorite Fictional Car: KITT from 'Knight Rider' Favorite Aerosmith Song: Angel Favorite Director: Wes Craven Favorite B Movie Monster: 'Creature From The Black Lagoon' Favorite TV Series Based On A Comic Book Character...In Theory: The 'Incredible Hulk' Favorite Transformer G-1 Character: Optimus Prime Favorite Transformers Beast Wars Character: Rat Trap Favorite Female Superhero: Wonder Woman Favorite Article of Clothing: Tee Shirts Favorite Possession: My Pocket Watch Favorite Looney Tunes Character: 'Marvin The Martian' Favorite Disney Movie: 'Beauty and The Beast' Favorite Disney Character: 'Darkwing Duck' Favorite Shel Silverstein Book: 'The Giving Tree' Favorite Monkees Song: 'Daydream Believer' Favorite Poison Song: 'Something To Believe In' Favorite Beatles Song: 'Let It Be' Favorite Game Mascot: Pac-Man Favorite Cartoonist: Bill Waterson Favorite Comic Strip: The Far Side Favorite Actor To Play Batman: Michael Keaton Favorite Comic Book Superhero: Spider-Man Favorite Comic Book Series: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Favorite Film Trilogy: Dark Knight Favorite Superman: Christopher Reeve Favorite Professional Wrestler: Eddie Guerrero Favorite Motivational Song: 'More Then You Think I Am' by Danny Gokey Favorite Star Wars Cartoon: Droids Favorite Cookie: Oreo's Favorite Candy Bar: Nestle Crunch Favorite Ice Cream: Ice Cream Sandwiches Favorite Cuisine: Mexican Favorite Sandwiches: Italian Submarine Favorite Comedy: Cheers Favorite Wrestling Company: AEW Favorite Sport: Auto Racing Favorite Political Party: Don't Have One Favorite Trio: Alvin and the Chipmunks Favorite Foursome: The Monkees Favorite Fast Food Chain: Wendy's Favorite Meatloaf Song: 'Two Out Of Three Aint Bad' Favorite Halloween Film: 'The Corpse Bride' Favorite Green Lantern: Kyle Rayner (The Cartoonist One) Favorite Board Game: Connect Four Favorite Character Design For A Fantasy Character: Falkor from 'A Neverending Story' Favorite Fictional Bear: Paddington Bear Favorite Type Of Eggs: Scrambled Favorite Donuts: Glazed Favorite Diet Beverage: Pepsi Max Favorite Cyborg In A Cartoon: Inspector Gadget Favorite Cartoon Character To Be Annoyed By: Patrick Star Favorite Scooby Doo Series: 'Be Cool Scooby Doo' Favorite Time Travel Series That Is Not Doctor Who: 'Quantum Leap' Favorite Scooby Doo Character: Scooby Dumb Favorite Cereal Mascot: Fruit Brute Favorite Horror Series: 'A Nightmare On Elm Street' Favorite Character To Dislike: Scrappy Doo Favorite Insane Cartoon Character: Woody Woodpecker Favorite Non-Submarine Sandwich: Peanut Butter Favorite Sci-Fi Series: Doctor Who Favorite Novel: Frankenstein Favorite Music Group: Queen Favorite Female Lead Group: Heart Favorite Coffee Beverage: Ice Coffee Favorite Toy Franchise: 'Transformers' Favorite Animated Series Based On A Movie Franchise: 'Ghostbusters' Favorite Comic Book Based On A Toy Line: He-Man and the Masters of the Universe Favorite Batman Animated Series: 'Batman The Animated Series' 1992 Favorite Movie Hosting Series: 'Mystery Science Theater 3000' Favorite Anime Series: 'Digimon Digital Monsters' Favorite Anime Animated Series: 'Robotech' Favorite Film Series: 'Rocky' Favorite Muppet: Animal Favorite Song From A Movie Soundtrack That People Forget Was In The Movie: 'Nobody Lives Without Love' by Eddi Reader Favorite Local Celebrity: Svengoolie Favorite John Hugh's Film: 'Some Kind Of Wonderful' Favorite Monster Sitcom Series: 'The Addams Family' Favorite Cartoon Version of Spider-Man: 'Spider-Man The Animated Series' 1994 Favorite Smurf: Clumsy Favorite Stop Motion Series: 'Wallace and Gromit' Favorite Video Game Sequel: Super Mario Bros. 3 Favorite Film Franchise Based On A Video Game: Sonic the Hedgehog Favorite Robert Downey Junior Film: 'The Judge' Favorite Al Pacino Film: 'Scent of A Woman' Favorite Care Bear: Grumpy Favorite Animated Series: Original Duck Tales Favorite TV Theme: 'Mr. Belvedere' Favorite Song By A Female Group: 'These Dreams' by Heart Favorite Cartoon Series Based On A Comic Strip: 'Garfield' Favorite Fruit: Apples Favorite Video Game Version of An Icon: Ms. Pac-Man

Throw on detail. Supersize laughter scattered with kindness and love. Top with hope along with names of those that remind you of triumphs and gentle moments in brilliant color that tells a million stories of those moments of success where a smile was permanent for a time. Music; films; dancing in the rain; singing at the top of your lungs. Painting a picture with crayons and happy on how great it looks. Ice coffee with an oat meal raisin cookie breathing a sigh of relief. Take these memories, plant them in a big old hole. Talk to these memories with gratitude and thankfulness of owning them. Keep it growing into a big old tree letting it scatter seeds for more worlds to rebuild. It pushes out the black and white dread vulturing around. Smelly birds which stink up any day with dead. Pump life into you. Don't be numb. Do not not care. Shake off that hurt cause it only makes tired. Be happy about something even if it seems unimportant. Reach out to others to spark something in each other so life doesn’t break not rot. Breathe again. Laugh hard. Love always The soul becomes your oasis in your mind full of a brilliance which will hopefully infect your personality to show love; kindness; forgiveness and a second chance. Carry the good in your heart and one day you will find God was there gardening all along to heal you up. Only love

Odd hair; clothes and perhaps tattoos do make a person stand out. Most definitely. But that is all window dressing. The true nature of a person is when you sit down and talk. That’s where the interest starts as you see the love for rare music or comics from someone who appears nothing more then a wall flower. A hard nose biker who enjoys the works of Adam Sandler. The grieving sadness of a stranger for another stranger. Or the insight of God from a waitress working a diner that serves vegetarian tacos. My point is that the beauty of a person is the passion within. The definition lies beyond the window dressing. We can see so much by just talking and listening. A pretty penny in a bucket of nickels we forget to check because it’s too hard to check with the eyes when the heart and soul can do the work if we let it. The individual is key. All the details must be thought to see a clear picture. Amplifying a quality ignoring the rest gives only a faded outline. Tossing one into a pile of millions as 'A FILL IN THE BLANK' with no apparent desire to know more is a disservice allowing segregation of sorts to grow even deeper. Everybody in different groups sure the other is an enemy never seeing anything that connects us just what makes us different. Solo islands sink because no one can do everything unless your title is CHRIST then go ahead. Otherwise talk to each other. Starts with a person not a massive power wash to make change. Always risky of a water blast missing parts or destroying stuff too. We should stand together not behind cause each of us is like no one else after the title counting is done. Like a chain. What else is there to do but get old and perhaps rust, talk.

‘Batman: Boulevard of Broken Dreams’ by Green Day ‘Spider-Man: Here Without You’ by 3 Doors Down ‘Wonder Woman: Total Eclipse of the Heart’ by Bonnie Tyler ‘Bill and Ted: Standing Outside A Broken Phone Booth With Money In My Hand’ by Primitive Radio Gods 'Doctor Who: Time After Time' by Cyndi Lauper 'Back To The Future: Not Enough Time' by INXS ‘Superman: It’s Not Easy’ by Five For Fighting’ ' The Shining: 'No More Mister Nice Guy' by Alice Cooper ‘The Flash: Running Down A Dream’ by Tom Petty ‘The Crow: Send Me An Angel’ by Scorpions 'Ghost Rider: Angels' by Sofie B. Hawkins ‘Swamp Thing: Secret Garden’ by Bruce Springsteen ‘Highlander: Who Wants To Live Forever’ by Queen ‘The Hulk: Beast of Burden’ by Mick Jagger ‘Green Lantern: There Is A Light’ by Nick Cave ‘Blade Runner: More Human Than Human’ by Rob Zombie ‘Secret Garden: Somewhere Only We Know’ by Keane ‘Back to the Future: She Blinded Me By Science’ Thomas Dolby ‘James Bond: Almost Heard You Sigh’ by Rolling Stones 'Top Gun: Danger Zone' by Kenny Loggins 'Hellboy: Dirty Deeds' by AC/DC ‘Titanic: My Heart Will Go On’ by Celine Dion ‘The Mask: Unwell’ by Matchbox Twenty ‘Alice in Wonderland: I’m Going Slightly Mad’ by Queen 'Superman: Kryptonite' by Five For Fighting ‘Ghost: My Immortal’ by Evanessence ‘Beauty and the Beast: Perfect’ by Ed Sheeran ‘Aquaman: Drowning’ by Backstreet Boys ‘Frankenstein: Lightning Crashes’ by Live ‘Venom: Back in Black’ by AC/DC ‘Werewolf: Bad Moon Rising’ by Credence Clearwater Revival ‘Captain America: End of the Innocence’ by Don Henley

We have been together for over 24 years therefore there bound to be stuff I am going to discover due to the presence of my one and only. Probably could do a bigger list but then it wouldn't be ironic. 24. Kelly understands my geek habits better than I would of thought. She guessed early on that Animal is my favorite muppet; clumsy is my favorite smurf; Optimus Prime is my favorite transformer; grumpy is my favorite care bear and she has figured out mysteries of Doctor Who plots before revealed on TV. None of this is of interest to her by the way. 23. Movie Popcorn is the best of all popcorn but must be found at an actual home style movie theater. We go to Century 21 Theater in Deer Park and the snacks are very good. Most notably is the popcorn. Perfect amount of all important ingredients. Kelly is usually up for a movie realizing that though the movie might be not great, that the popcorn will. 22. I can't keep broccoli on a fork. On July 3rd, 2001, I had my first date with Kelly, and I had fish with vegetables. I could not for the life of me keep the broccoli on my fork. Fell off three times. Finally, Kelly just said that it was fine if I wanted to eat it with my hands. That is what I did. As it turned out the broccoli was waterlogged and Kelly has been quite kind, since then, to remind me where the best broccoli is when we eat out. It is steamed, I eat on a fork. If it is waterlogged, I use my hands or get carrots. Life changing stuff here. 21. The Fifty Shades Film Trilogy is pretty good. I never read the books and Kelly had. She watched the first movie and thought I would like it. It was different in many ways from the book. I was reluctant. Not because it was a chick flick, I have watched many of those in my time enjoying them all to a point. I just figured that there was not going to be much of a story, but Kelly liked them. She is a good judge of those things. Besides, she would not have raved about a movie if it was all just about sex. There was actually a good story there. We watched all three together and I found that there was a redemption arc for Christian Grey. He needed the right person who could break through to him that he was worth loving. Surprisingly compelling. 20. Coffee is actually very good when dressed up. Was not a coffee person before Kelly. I went to coffee shops but usually did not get coffee. Much more of a tea type of fellow and a nice donut too. Early on in our relationship, we went to a Gloria Jeans at a mall. I went to the restroom and when I came back Kelly had gotten me a frozen coffee drink. Never tried one and suddenly regretted all the years I wasted not trying one. Kelly has this way of convincing me of trying things because I trust her. I know she will not try to trick or talk me into something foolish or lethal. Anyway, who can say no to that smile? 19. Kelly is my best friend. She has been shortly after we met. I can talk to her about anything and she is honest with me. I like spending time with her even if it just walking a mall or hanging at a bookstore. 18. I do not like arguing with Kelly. Even if I feel justified at the moment I regret it not because of what Kelly says but because I do not like to argue with her. It goes back to not wanting to let down. Disappointed; offend or fail her. 17. Kelly knows when I am exaggerating. I am not good at lying but I do like telling a good story. Kelly can tell when I am adding details because my voice gets loud and squeaky. 16. I can find food and bathrooms no matter where we are. No matter where we go, whether we have been there before or not, I can find food and where food eventually goes. Didn’t know I could do this until we took my Grandmother out shopping to a new store. I went ahead to get the door and minutes later I came back telling Kelly where all the bathrooms and vending machines were. As it turned out both were in the same place. It was a reflex which Kelly has used on many occasions since. 15. I cannot match to save my life. Dress pants and T-shirts before we met. After we jeans and T-shirts and even dress shirts and jeans. Either way, jeans. 14. Contemporary Christian and Country Music isn’t bad. Wasn't a fan before I met Kelly simply because I did not listen to any before. I was much more into 80's music and found that some is very good. 13. I have saved us greeting card money. After Kelly discovered I could try we just started buying card stock for birthdays and holidays. People actually like my cards better then the store bought ones. Kelly is very good at seeing these things. 12. Appreciating homemade meals. Kelly is a great cook. Plain and simple is her formula for cooking. Who needs fancy? She can stitch together an awesome meal with flavor and taste with few ingredients and little time. Never have I skipped a meal since we have been together. 11. Its best to let go of anger because it is poison. I tend to get a bit upset when someone hurts or offends someone close to me or someone's action affects someone close to me. I am quite protective that way. Sometimes, Kelly literally needs to get in my face and tell me, 'It's okay. We are okay. Let it go.' Very easy to get wrapped up in that moment which then takes forever to calm down which now has totally ruined your mood accomplishing the goal of the offender. No good in the end. Best revenge is to shake it off. Easier said then done sometimes. 10. Soda is better cold. I used to drink warm soda. Yes, I admit it. Did not think it mattered since I drink diet and the flavor stays constant, what’s the hurt? Then I met Kelly, who likes ninety percent ice in her drinks and found she wasn’t off on this. I only put 10 percent of ice in my drinks or shove them in the fridge. Kelly likes fast freezes so in you go into the Freezer for about ten minutes. You got a lovely icicle to lick until thawing. Ha. 9. Kelly can always outwit me. Always quick with a line that can always out do one of mine. 8. Dancing in the rain is fun. Yeah, it was raining outside and we danced. Great time. 7. Kelly found me my job. 2003, I needed a job and Kelly found an ad for a job at Roosevelt University's bookstore in Schaumburg. Meant to last for three weeks which went on for a year. During that time I got a job as a Security Guard at Roosevelt and am still here as of 2021. Not bad for a three week job. By the way, ironically, I received two degrees from Roosevelt University before I met Kelly. 6. Add a comedy track into a serious award; movie; reality or news show is fun. Kelly and I love to add our own dialogue to such Television masterpieces. Makes it all so much more enjoyable. Why else waster time with boredom if you can't improvise. 5. Chocolate is wonderful stress reliever. I prefer dark chocolate but still it has a great calming effect. 4. Our Daughter, Katy, does not hate me. Back in 2005, I was pretty sure that our newborn daughter was not going to like me. As time went on, she would give me this look as to say, ‘Hello, Not Mom. Where is Mom? When is she coming back? She is coming back, right? Kelly insisted that Katy had to get to know me first. She already knew my voice because Kelly encouraged me to talk to her during the pregnancy. Minutes after she was born, Katy took a swing at one of the techs because she was pissed that her fist was removed from her mouth. She was having a good chew and was disturbed. I said, ‘Kate’ and Katy stopped because the voice was familiar. Kelly also encouraged me to sing to Katy, which was a rich collection of 80’s rock songs. I love the 80’s and not good at lullabies. Katy and I have a great relationship because Kelly would not allow me to doubt myself. 3. Laughing makes things a whole lot better. Enough said on this one if it is appropriate timing. Don’t want to be laughing at a funeral or crime scene. Just poor taste. 2. Live today. Yesterday is over and tomorrow is being worked on. Best just to follow the road there instead of jumping. 1. God is. Kelly helped me find my faith again. I went through a crisis before her and with her support, I have grown my faith in God. Learned to lean on God better than before. I see things clearer now.

Well, it's a quick fix as a band aid perhaps. Make one feel better for a really short time leaving doubt in the mind. Maybe even wanting more. A fix as in a rush, but nothing more as it is a chemical burst hiding out lowdown among the everyday. It's tempting because you have a hurt that can't heal. Brooding the fear behind it that you remain broken. Justice for the wrong that has been made against you. The tears and the broken heart. You want it to go away yesterday but it extends it's stay as long as it can be tolerated and tormenting. Want to hand it to someone else to carry so you lash out at the person who hurt you. An eye for eye to balance the scales. The stole your joy or maybe a nearby lash out at a proxy just so it's gone and more convenient. Who care who is innocent or made mistake. Forgiveness doesn't work, right. Cheated and robbed. Here is a grand example to show how I am feeling right now. Tuesday August 26th, 2025 1:50pm: my wife, Kelly, and I were in a serious car accident right near Roosevelt University in Schaumburg. Kelly was going to drop me off at work and didn't get there. We were T-boned by a car that didn't stop at a red light. The car is totaled, and we are bruised up, but nothing broken. God was with us in so many ways. Help arrived quickly. Bystanders showed up out of nowhere to help us. Calling 911 and making sure we were conscious, ready to pry those doors off if they needed. God was with us. The air bags worked, and the car did its job kept us safe. Our daughter,Katy, was not with us; she was to meet Kelly at Roosevelt via lyft. She was safe. The insurance company got us a loaner and people at my work and Kelly’s work have been nothing but kind covering our shifts. Medics: police and ER staff were also understanding and kind. We are shaken but God never left us. It hurts to walk right now but it will get better. Got wait to see how much we will get to replace the car but we are okay. God is faithful and will never fail us. Why am I writing this? I am trying not to want revenge. Some of my friends think that we should sue the driver for pain and suffering. Yes the car is gone and no we got the headache of going through the insurance to replace. We have medical bills waiting to arrive. We got other bills such as Katy's college. We do not completely know what comes next? The bruises will heal and fear will subside but I want it fixed now. I am jittery right now with cars as the crash happened on my side of the car. I have to lean on God for the strengthen to overcome this. Only God can show me the way. God is the only one who knows how to piece it all together. We are not God as God knows the burden, carrying it to help us. I cannot lean on God if I hold on to my anger. Be angry but let it go. It is toxic. God is not toxic. God lives through this world and I am very grateful. God can fix us if we ask him to because otherwise ignore Him and not see the healing. Why? Cause we want others to suffer sometimes. We are human. And God is God. I hope others will see that who may be going through a rough patch to know vengeance rots your soul. So tempting as to me the person who hit us seems to walked off fine. The Insurance company said we are not at fault and I already knew that. A part of me wants to make this person hurt for the pain she caused us. Then I remember that this was an accident. It was done to do no harm. It happened and vengeance becomes too easy to live for. Gets through a moment and then you want more. Turns your heart numb and ruins the perception of life in general. Steals your joy therefore you can no longer feel the sun on your face or the wind through the fingers because you are always expecting bad stuff to happen. Power is power. Power is fleeting. No one should want that. Trust God and He will fix. Listen to God and we can forgive. We can love or try to do so.

Most of you probably know the Mike and the Mechanics song, " In the Living Years". That song is a personal favorite of mind. It tells of the relationship of a father and son and how their differences effect them. Especially as loss is the hardest burden then unsaid words. It has significance because it says volumes about me, my dad and his dad. My dad and Grandfather had a difficult relationship at times. In 1975, my Grandfather passed a few months before I was born. Dad wasn't there when he lost his dad. Thought he had more time to talk things out. As the song says, "I wasn't there that morning when my father passed away. I didn't get to tell him all the things I had to say. I think I caught his spirit later that same year. I'm sure I heard his echoes in my baby's new born tears. I just wish I could of told him in the Living years." I like to think I helped him deal with that loss. A new life to raise but I think dad never really grieved the loss of his dad. Buried the pain. I hope they have finally had that talk but maybe it doesn't matter now. A lasting peace. I try to hold the good and let go of the hurt but not always easy. Dad always said he did not accomplish much but to me he did. The good outweighed the bad. I know there was so much left to tell him but there would never been enough time. Dad passed away in 2018 and still he is remembered and missed a great deal. We didn’t always understand each other but understanding can only take you so far as love can get you the rest of the way.