With the highest of highs often comes the lowest of lows

The last few weeks have been about the highs and lows of life for me. I had a successful week of sales during Read an E-book Week. My youngest got over the stomach flu. My oldest was getting ready for spring break. I'm not one to wait for the other shoe to drop - I believe that to be a bad habit that should be avoided, but I am willing to concede that with the highs of life often comes the lows.

It's been a bit of a roller coaster ride the last few days. I had the joy of participating in a fundraiser for my friend's mother, who is raising funds for a kidney transplant. She is an amazing woman, and I am glad that the funds are coming in for her. When I was growing up, she was like a mom to all of us troubled kids. I spent so much time at their house that people thought I lived there. I consider the whole family to be my own family, so it really was a joyous occasion to be a part of.

I also got to hang out with another dear friend for her son's birthday. She's actually my sister's friend, but she has been through so much crazy stuff with us that she is pretty much family. It was a pure joy to celebrate with her and her family. It also gave my kids a chance to play with other kids, which is always fun for them. For the most part, things have been nothing but up for us.

And then came the flip side of the coin. My wife's nana fell ill. As of this writing she is still with us, but she is being made comfortable for the next part of life's journey. It all happened so fast, it is still difficult to process. She is another amazing woman, so her loss is a tremendous blow to my wife and her family, and to me as well. I have nothing but fond memories of her. It is important to celebrate her life, but taking the time to mourn is also of great importance.

Life is crazy sometimes. You just never know what you are going to get. We take the highs with the lows, and that's okay to me. I think it is important for us to enjoy every good moment. Never take life for granted. None of us know how things will turn out. None of know when we will see the end. Really enjoy life. Savor every moment. Take the time to tell those important to you that you love them while you can. Anyway, these are my thoughts this week. Above all, I want you all to live, I mean really live! Have a wonderful week everyone!

Senseless violence toward the homeless must stop

As many of you know from previous posts, I serve the homeless in my community on a regular basis. This week was difficult because earlier in the week a homeless man was stabbed to death. Currently, there are no suspects and no real leads as to who committed the crime. Unfortunately, the community cares very little about the homeless population, so I fear this crime will go unsolved.

The stabbing is one of many crimes committed against the homeless in just the small community I work in. Over the last few months, many of the homeless have told me stories of their stuff being stolen and/or vandalized. Many of them have been attacked for no reason. One lady even had her pet guinea pigs stolen while she was asleep. They were like her children, so she was completely heartbroken.

I'm not sure what would drive anyone to take from those who have so little. Most of the homeless in this community have been homeless for a while. They don't bother anyone. They aren't a burden to the community. They are just trying to live their lives the best they can. I guess I just don't get it. Why not help someone out if you can?

Over time, I have gotten to know quite a few of the homeless in my town. I can tell you that many of them have family and friends that love them. They are not nameless, faceless people. Their lives matter. I know a lot of people will not have any idea what I am talking about. I firmly believe you can tell a lot about someone by how they treat those in need. Moreover, you can tell a lot about someone by the way they treat those who can never repay them.

I don't do what I do for any kind of payment or reward. I know what it is like to live on the streets. Sometimes all you have left is the kindness of strangers, and I can tell you that one kind act can make all the difference in the world. If you can help someone in need, please do so. If you happen to know one of the misguided people who feel the need to harm those in need, please talk to them. Your choice to do right can make all the difference in the world.

Anyway, thanks for letting me vent. Do the best you can to help others in whatever you can. Have a blessed week, my friends.