Erik's got something to say to all y'all

[(Andree here) Got this in the e-mail just now. ]

OK Folks, Here’s the rub,

Sometimes you pull the short straw and it's your turn to step-up.

It's not what you do, it's how you do it. I have no regrets and I feel well prepared to face this bullshit waste of time and tears.

That sums up my attitude though I don’t want to sound flippant. There is a lot at stake here for my family and it promises to be a challenge that we are not looking forward to. Still, I have to envision a day where this is a memory and I continue with my precious view of life, family and friends made even more clear and intense by this experience.

It is said that it takes and optimist to plant a tree. I plant a lot of trees, but I say life’s to short to plant a small one! I always thought life was running too fast and I didn’t want to miss anything. For many years I have stopped whatever I was doing to go out and make sure to appreciated the sun’s changing light quality at dawn or dusk. I pause and really study Lyric and Jaeger as they play, adventure and grow so I don’t have to rely on a recording to relive their years.

I appreciate how fortunate I am to have wisely chosen my Nancy to help create a pleasant life and to compliment my family. Together, we focus on adventure and challenge not luxury and comfort. This has always liberated us. Nancy and I have laughed about this current situation because it is so strange that it is somehow entertaining. I cannot surprise her any longer. She knows my mind.

Though I think this is the only place I have ever been, I hold up my hands and really look at myself and think “This is a strange place to be”. This is my only inkling of a consciousness that transcends the physical body. I will do everything I can to prolong my presence here and continue working hard to create quality and not settle for mere quantity.

Erik

If I could I surely would,

Kick the ass,
of Father Time.

He stole away a piece of my life,

And he sure ain’t no, friend of mine.

-Ahmet & Dwezil Zappa, “Father Time”