"You must have been warned against letting the golden hours slip by. Yes, but some of them are golden only because we let them slip." - James M. Barrie
Dear Friends,
I’m winding down my R&R time home in the Orlando, Florida area and I’ve got a few days before I head back to the war. It’s a time to pause and reflect for a bit on how I used my golden hours. I paused and said hello to Mr. Time and he glanced away but pointed his hands to my watch as if to say---your allotment is final---no one could get more than 24 hours a day, so make full use of what you have, it’s gone forever. I thought back to the Vietnam War farewells for my brother and how I now pushed forward will be doing the same.
This time around, I thought I’ll master Mr. Time but alas he told me that he couldn’t be mastered,
only managed.
I should have known better.
So I put together a matrix to see how I have done so far.
1. Reunite with my family. Rating=Excellent; everyone happy. Lots of smiles and make-up for the last 8 months away.
2. Religion. Got back to Mass in Catholic Parish and played guitar minus one string. Great to be back among the community. Rating=Excellent; never skipped a beat. Many in the parish are sick and need prayers.
3. Visit/re-visit three countries-United Arab Emirates, Germany, USA. Rating=Excellent.
4. Hit a golf ball in each location. Rating=Excellent. Weather could have been cooler: 115F in Dubai but I came, saw, and conquered myself.
5. Visit Dachau Concentration Camp with family. Rating=Unforgettable, even after a 27 years since my last visit.
6. Distractions—AC unit in home breaks down, set back $4K in the hole. Rating= Comeback from a setback. The replacement unit is larger, more efficient, and cooler.
7. Business: Brother lost government contract due to impossible technical specs on computer performance. Rating= Good. Lesson learned. Think inside the box next time.
8. Boldness---In New York, met Alan Alda the actor and told him I enjoy MASH so much and get to watch re-runs in Afghanistan. Sent an email to Tiger Woods. Maybe I can do something for him. Rating= Excellent. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
The minutes are counting by and I am looking forward to 20 hours in airplane time to get back to the war. God gave me the responsibility and expects me to use His time.
I simply won’t take on more than 504 golden hours He gives me.
Myles - I hope you don't mind - I'd like to send your story to a friend whose son is serving in Iraq. I know it will have great meaning for her. All the best to you; stay safe and know that many will be holding you in their thoughts, hearts and prayers. Peace - Missy
I wish for you love and safety from harm in your military assignment... wherever! Blessings to you and those you help along the way. I trust that you might be putting togeether a rare book with all of your experiences and locations. Hope so. - Bill
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