The Sandman Cometh

I've been trying to write this blog for awhile now. I started out with a story about how I almost got killed the other day on my way to work, but it wasn't really turning into what I wanted to say. Then I started writing about the Entibidore family, but I'm not in the mood for them...although some interesting things have been happening. I'll keep you posted on that. So I figured I should just write about what's been on my mind and skip all the other stuff. I had a dream about a month ago that my parents died. It was one of those dreams that you wake up from and think "well shit. that was scary." Of course that triggered a lot of thoughts. Mostly that I would really miss my parents if they died. I've learned a lot from them, especially since I've started living here. My parents have been married for 30 years, and their relationship is one that people should admire and respect. I know I do.

I've noticed a few things about my parents over the years. First of all, the words "please" and "thank you" are probably three of the most often used words in my household. As far back as I can remember, my dad has thanked my mom after every meal. My mom has always said please when she's asking you to do something (unless, of course, she's pretty ticked off). They may be small words, but they are powerful. A "thank you" shows a person that you appreciate them and what they have done for you. "Please" shows that you respect that a person has a choice. Whether it is with a person you've never seen before, or one you see every day, those words can make a big difference.

Second of all, forgiveness is not only a gift, but at times it is a necessity. We've all heard the term "for the greater good." Well, sometimes that's what forgiveness is about. Anger is like a cancer. The longer you hold onto it, the more it affects you, in a negative way. If you hang onto it long enough, you forget what you were angry about in the first place...but now you've probably found a dozen more things to be angry about. People make mistakes; people screw up. Sometimes the words "I'm sorry" and "I forgive you" can mean the difference between a lifetime of happiness and a lifetime of hurt. Sometimes it's funny the power words have. We can write them down, we can say them out loud, but we can never erase them. Even if we wrote in pencil. Our words are our thoughts, and so they can be more hurtful and more helpful than anything else. But acknowledging that you have caused someone pain, or acknowledging their remorse over the pain they have caused, can help fix things.

Probably the most important lesson I've learned is how to love...and I'm still working on that one. The words "I love you" are three of the best words to hear, and sometimes the hardest to say. People forget sometimes, I think, that love is not just a word, it's also an action, or an expression. And it's not always a big flourish...most of the time, it's the little things that show a person you love them. But then again, it's not just the actions, either. People need to hear the words. Sometimes people need to hear them for reassurance, but mostly just because it feels good to hear...it feels good to say, too.

My parents are pretty good teachers. They're also very different from each other, but I think that's what keeps it interesting. Anyway, I think that's all I've got for now. I'll let you know if I think of anything else. But I am very glad that my dream was just a dream.