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© Tom Gilbert

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October, 2017

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A Big Game with Scary Implications

October 31, 2017

In just moments, as I write this, a baseball game will get underway in Los Angeles, California. On a Halloween Night the implications of the outcome are downright scary for the Dodgers. They must win or they will be eliminated in what has been one of the greatest World Series ever.

The Houston Astros seem to be riding a wave of momentum and emotion combined with clutch hitting and great talent to lead the series, three games to one. The previous game on Sunday night was epic with back and forth battling and finally a game winning hit in extra innings by Alex Bregman (a player from my home town of Albuquerque, New Mexico).

Maybe the Astros have the extra desire to bring the first ever baseball championship to their city that has suffered much from Hurricane Harvey. #HoustonStrong is a hashtag for them. I can only imagine how much the players for the Astros want to win it for their fans and the city.

At the same time the Los Angeles Dodgers have experienced one of the best seasons in their long and storied history. They won 104 games in the regular season and then made it through the National League playoffs to make their first appearance in the fall classic since 1988. They have a lot of special players and have shown resilience, perseverance and Hollywood-style drama.

It's fun to see such competition. And it is a good distraction from some of the negativity that seems a constant in our daily news.

A big game with scary implications makes for frightfully good fun tonight.


Yes, I Will Always Be Your Grandpa!

October 20, 2017

My granddaughter just turned 5. That's a delightful age and it is my second go around with a 5 year old grandchild. Sophia celebrated the Big Five just a few days ago and her older brother, Jacob, did a couple of years ago. I don't know if 5 is the best grandchild age or not - but it seems pretty good to me.

A recent article in GRAND magazine, The Times They Are A Changin', has author Debby Carroll responding to her grandchild's query, "Will you still be my Grammy when I turn 5?" How can a question like that not melt your heart?

"Yes, Honey. I'll always be your Grammy. That will never change", was the obvious reply.

Just as you never stop being a parent, you also (thankfully) never stop being a grandparent. And you know what Grands like to say. "If I knew grandkids were going to be so much fun I would have had them first!"

I feel very blessed to have grandchildren and to be able to spend time with them. I get to share love and life experiences with them. They, in turn, keep me young. That's a Win-Win!


ICU Grandpa is a Baby Whisperer

October 12, 2017

File this one under "feel good": David Deutchman is a grandpa who has been volunteering for twelve years at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. What he has been doing for all those years is cuddling and comforting babies in the intensive care unit. It has earned him the nicknames "the ICU Grandpa" and "Baby Whisperer" for his ongoing care of these wee ones.

It's a beautiful story and a beautiful thing that Mr. Deutchman is doing in his retirement years. It shows that there are many ways to contribute to the wellbeing of others. While people are marveling over his dedication and kindness he finds he has been getting a great reward. The joy from holding a little baby is something he treasures. "It's been wonderful because it gives me something to do that has meaning to it." (read more with this story and video from ABC News)

Way to go, Grandpa!


Flying Low

October 10, 2017

I'm learning to fly, but I ain't got wings
Coming down is the hardest thing - Tom Petty

The last couple of weeks have been kind of rough. There seems to be an inordinate amount of bad things and sad news. I wrote about it in the latest Your Life Is Your Story newsletter. Sometimes when the hits keep on coming you just want to hunker down in a hole or go somewhere to lick your proverbial wounds.

Even after I published the September 30th newsletter more difficult events unfolded. It was bad enough to hear about the suffering from the earthquakes and hurricanes, but the heartache of 58 gunned down and over 500 injured at a concert in Las Vegas, Nevada, followed the next day by the death of Tom Petty, well, it put me in a funk.

Still, I am not one to wallow in misery. So I've done what I do in times like these. I loved the ones around me, pulled them closer and let them know I care.
I spent some time in prayer and meditation. I went to work and did my best to show that there is hope and light. 

Hot Air BalloonsOn Sunday morning I went for a walk. It was a crisp and cool morning; beautiful with blue skies and sunshine, the kind of days we brag about in New Mexico. On top of that, the hot air balloons were rising en masse as our annual International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta brought us visual joy. There is something majestic and peaceful about colorful balloons bearing passengers over fields and the Rio Grande River. It's just an awesome sight!

My friends, we must remember that this is the time of our life and we can have joy, in fact greater joy, when we take stock of what matters and be loving and helpful to others, especially those who need our help. That is part of living well and can (should) be part of our life story. Disasters and tragedies won't cease, but we can't afford cynicism or bitterness. As the saying goes, "It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness" (attributed to Eleanor Roosevelt).


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