If only we had leaders who could lead as well as this opinion columnist opines:

America In Decline by Thomas Friedman

I'm not a doomsayer, niether is Mr. Friedman. But c'mon guys--at some point you, me and u.s. gotta confront the real issues--and sacrifice our entitlements now before they are foreclosed upon tommorrow.

Be Grateful

(photo borrowed from Eliza's Wish)

I suppose a personal event like this provides a different lesson for every different person.

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,700234571,00.html

I met Calihan, Eliza's father, in Brazil in 1999. We've been good friends ever since. He and his wife, Nikki, are exceptional people in every way.

The article does not speak to how content Calihan and Nikki are, in spite of such trauma. I do not pretend to know the profoundity of the feelings that accompany such a trial, but I do see that neither Calihan nor Nikki waste the day in self-pity. Rather, they seem inspiringly grateful. Such is reassuring to those like me, who've yet to confront such inexeplicably unfair challeges.

Be grateful. That is the lesson I'm taking from it. Be grateful for the healthy niece, nephew and parent. Be grateful for the siblings and friends. Find meaning in challenge and loss. Be grateful for those things which are universally difficult--that they are not too difficult to bear--nor are borne alone. Be grateful, even if it means finding contentment in a monthly birthday party for your terminally-ill daughter; who presently lives, however briefly, only to feel her father's touch and hear her mother's breath.

Be Grateful. Blessings are blessings-- including those found in loss.