"Path From The Past"

    ^{As we passed from one century to another, we look back to those times, when it was great to be young , strong, and ready to meet any challenge that might come up. There was a time, when we as youngsters, were the ones that were being taken care of by our parents, and relatives. We were too young, to know that out there somewhere ,was a world waiting for us to blossom into theleaders, that would take all of us to a more better way of life. We didn't know that we, as grown-ups, would be selected as the leaders that would take this way of life and nurture it into one that would always be free of poverty and hunger. We didn't know that one day, we would be called upon to decide what was best for all of us, and not for each of us. How could we know ,that we, as men and women, would be asked to stand up for the rights of all the people and not for each of the people.}

    ^{That was, and is the question that comes to my mind as I go about my duties ,as not only a husband, father, breadwinner, and member of the family, that came about because of the love and dedication of two great people we call Mom and Dad. We were raised to respect everyone, regardless of race, creed, nationality, and belief. We were taught that to love your fellow man, was to love God. And likewise to love God ,was to love your fellow man. We were taught that to share with others was just a part of life.}

    ^{At a time when wars between countries, was as common as eating three meals a day, we still came through it without losing the things taught to us by our parents. This was the way that parents brought up their children in the old days. We were taught, that we were created by God with his love, and that each and everyone of us were equal. Just because, there were those out there that were very wealthy, who didn't really care about those a little less fortunate, didn't make us envious of them. It made us tougher, because it gave us a goal to reach, and all we had to do was to grab ahold of each rung of the ladder and climb another step to success.}

    ^{Now, getting to the top of the ladder of success, doesn't happen for all. Many times some would get tired, and be satisfied where they were, and they maintained a good life and were happy where they had gotten to. Some had reached the top, but then decided that it wasn't all that great up there, and decided to take a few steps backward, and were happy to be there. Then there were those ,who went all the way up that ladder, and found out that they wanted more, and so they decided that they wanted to be those leaders that I mentioned earlier.}

    ^{No matter where each and everyone of us ended up, it was our decision to do so, and for that we know that we can be content with our lives as it is, or we can make changes to it. I am happy at where I am, because I worked for what I have, and being blessed with a good wife and great children, makes this life worthwhile. I could make a move up that ladder, and be one of the leaders of this great city, but then would I be content with that?}

    ^{What happens when you finally make it to the very top, and you find out that your life is placed in front of the world ,to disect and to tear apart? What happens when your life is turned around by those, who want to defeat you, and will use any means to do so? I have always had thoughts of one day, making a move for the position to run this great city, but as I see what happens to the families of those who are our leaders, I ask is it worth it?}

    ^{My thoughts go out to all those great people, who make an attempt to make this world a better place, and still get kicked around. It really hurts me to see our leaders get elected by the people, and then be led by the party. I believe in the two party system, because it lets the people speak about who they want to lead them. But that is where it should stop. Once they are elected to office, then they are representatives of the people, and not of the two parties of which they are members. That is one thing that I will always say. If I was elected by the people, then I will answer to the people. I guess that maybe, I like a few others ,will never make it to the top post, because now they know what I am about. I will say that I have known many of the men who are, and have been, the leaders of this city and they have served well.}

    ^{So I guess that Mom and Dad did one heck of a good job raising all of us, by instilling in us respect, and love for our fellow man. They taught us to be responsible for our actions, and they taught us to stand up for what we believed in. They taught us to pass down to our children all the things that would give them a goal to reach if they want to. The ladder of success to there for all of us, and there are many places that you can step off on and be content with life as you want it. What more could you ask from those two people, that all of us call Mom and Dad.}

    ^{Thanks, Mom and Dad, for giving all your life to us to carry on to those who follow. And thanks to all those people who went to the top and made a better life for all of us. I call this great nation "God's country. And while I am on my soapbox, let me say that the American flag is about the prettiest sight to behold anywhere and anytime. I get choked up anytime that red, white and blue  is flying and the national anthem is playing.  I think about all the brave men and women who fought for the right to display that flag, and it makers me proud to be an American.}

    ^{So once again, we have made a trip back into the good old days where love of the family was a part of life. Until we talk again, this is Uncle Ray saying "So Long and God Bless"}