Retirement changes the content of your conversations. I had a drink with a long time business associate and friend and while we normally digress to talking business- this time we talked about family. I knew his youngest son was just graduating from law school and that his other son is a Navy Seal. We talked about the mental and physical rigors of getting through the training and the risks they face in the protection of our country. I can only imagine the sacrifices and sleepless nights for my friend and his spouse. Sea, Air, and Land teams creates the acronym Seals and they came to be during World War II. Naval Special Warfare Command have these forces for direct action, special reconnaissance, hostage review, counterterrorism and foreign internal defense. In a time when there is a daily segment on national television that is a Terrorism Update we are very fortunate to have the highly trained special forces on point.
There are other special forces active in our everyday lives. I am writing my message late on Thursday night and with 55 minutes left in Cinco de Mayo Idaho Gives has raised $1,014,604 for not for profit organizations in Idaho. It is incredible what we can accomplish when we all pull together. The Idaho Not For Profit Center began this one day on line giving project a few years ago and the response continues to grow each year. You can give every day to support those groups that make a difference in your community but if you missed Idaho Gives this year I encourage you help lead the way in 2017.
I am a bit partial to 5-5 as it is my daughter Katie’s birthday. Today’s picture is a candle celebration with Katie, Hank and Megan. Karen and I are enjoying the freedom to spend more time with family and friends. I wish those of you not celebrating today a very merry un-birthday.
I recently watched a documentary about the life of Janis Joplin. I have her Pearl album framed on my wall and have always mourned her early passing. She was someone with a huge passion and talent for life and performing. The story was compelling. Janis was born in 1943 in Port Arthur, Texas and died from an overdose on 10-4-1970. Janis’s life is characterized by her focus on the blues – she wanted everyone to be happy and searched for a life that brought joy beyond her frenetic stage performances. We see many of our celebrities coping with these emotional challenges. I did not attend Woodstock but I know thousands of people who say they did. I did actually see JJ perform with the Holding Company at Monterey Pop in 1967. On stage that day she rocked the outdoor venue while drinking liberally from a bottle of Southern Comfort. Later that same day I watched Jimmy Hendrix play with the Experience. Two incredibly talented people who could only find comfort on stage. Mental health issues are a significant issue in our country and I believe it will take some “special forces” to get reach those in need of assistance in a timely way.
The Seals are reported to believe “there are two ways to do something: the right way and again.” “You’ve only got three choices in life: Give up, give in or give it all you’ve got.”
I am staying engaged in life and encourage each of you to join me. We retirees are a powerful force!
Mike