It's good to be alive. Today is nothing short of fantastic. The air has the wonderful feel of autumn, it's cool and breezy. The air smells fresh, leaves are falling everywhere, squirrels outside are very busy, looks like they're getting ready for winter.
It's a holiday monday, and my wife's home. It's peaceful and quiet, she's reading, me savoring a good cigar, birds chirping outside. All is good.
One of our sons, recently back from the war zone came by for my birthday the other day, among other things he brought a blacked out Benchmade combat knife. He knows well my love for knives. The heft and precision feel of this one is very good in the hand. He said "Dad I want you to have it." To know that my son carried it, or one like it, while in harm's way makes it very special. Seeing him home with his wife, laughing and eating Mom's good food, touches my heart. Remembering the horrors of Viet Nam, and how many didn't make it home, I'm thankful he's here. I'm proud of how he has grown, and is handling his life. All four of our children are happy and healthy, that means a lot.
The newest grandchild was here too, I love baby fat, rolls and wrinkles, and the smell of Johnson's baby powder, and giggles. Today he said "Papa" the first time, it made grandpa really happy. Got seven of 'em, wish I had a couple of dozen more.
Still the pain never goes away, and today my pain levels are off the scale. Keeping me from doing much of anything. But it's Ok. There's so much to live for, and for which to be thankful. It's good to slow down, and dwell a bit, on how wonderful it is just to be alive. And I'm thankful.
