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Journal Wed April 10 2024

  A Streak of Gray on Highway 290 At around 5:30 in the evening, I was traveling from Austin to Houston, starting a grueling seven-week work trip where I would only be home on weekends. The journey was mundane, set against the backdrop of clear skies with the monotony broken only by the narration of an audiobook. However, a growing sense of unease began to gnaw at me—a familiar anxiety tied to the endless weeks of travel that lay ahead. Amidst these introspections on Highway 290, an event unfolded that would not only halt the crescendo of my anxieties but also steer my perspective toward a profound realization. A gray streak flashed across the road, a fleeting shadow against the asphalt until a black SUV intersected its path. Time dilated at that moment, allowing me to witness the dog's flight through the air and its subsequent disappearance into the median. A sinking feeling took hold; I was convinced of the inevitable—that the dog lay dead. That poor dog is dead , I thought to m

Amidst the crowd

Amidst the crowd, I feel so all alone, A sinking feeling that creeps up inside, A little bubble, where I make my home, And from the world around me, I will hide. But as I pause, and breathe the present air, I take a step, and try to look around, And see the people, that are everywhere, And hear their chatter, and their joyous sound. I reach out, strike a conversation new, Or join a group, to break the icy spell, And find myself, a friend, or maybe two, And suddenly, the world is just as well. Yet, if the loneliness just won't subside, And my anxiety is hard to bear, I seek some help, a counselor to guide, To find some peace, and someone who will care. In crowds or in solitude, I will find, A balance, that will bring me some relief, And peace of mind, for heart and soul, entwined, And help me cope, with sadness or with grief.

Little Bugger Booger

A little fly frozen in ice, Found by four friends, a silly vice, They named him "Little Bugger Booger", And paid homage to him like a trooper. They tossed candy onto his sacred spot, And left soda in memory of what they had wrought, Their "tongue in cheek" ceremony grew, Into a friendship that was strong and true. The four of them were outsiders, But they found solace in each other's diversions, Stupid humor became their bond, And they reveled in being thought of as "weird" and beyond. They grew up and went their separate ways, But their shared love for each other never fades, And every once in a while they meet, To catch up, laugh, and be silly in defeat. They even visit Little Bugger Booger's grave, And leave candy and soda in his memory to pave, The way for their friendship to thrive, And keep their love for each other alive. They recreate awkward family photos, And laugh until their sides are hurting, oh no, But in their laughter, they find pea

As I embark on journeys far from home

As I embark on journeys far from home, My heart feels heavy and bereft, alone, For my dear wife is not here by my side, And days are long, with hours hard to bide. Her sweet embrace, her smile, her gentle touch, Are the things that mean so very much, But now I'm miles and miles and miles away, And thoughts of her will not fade day by day. I miss her laughter, and her tender voice, And how her love makes my poor heart rejoice, I long to hold her close and kiss her tight, And to be with her through each day and night. The nights are long without her here to hold, And thoughts of her do more than leave me cold, But still I do my best to soldier on, And though I may be far, my love is strong. Until I'm back within her warm embrace, I'll think of her, and see her lovely face, And hold her close within my heart and mind, Until the day when work is left behind.

For Alaina, On Her Birthday

On this special day, we celebrate with glee, A young lady who's dear to you and me, Alaina, my niece, with a heart so bright, She fills our lives with such joy and light. The "A Team" we are, a bond so strong, With Disney magic, we can't go wrong, From Cinderella's castle to Dumbo's ride, We've shared the wonder, side by side. With each trip we take, memories we make, Laughs and smiles, we never fake, Our love for Disney, it knows no bounds, And with Alaina, my joy just compounds. But beyond the parks, it's her sweetness and grace, That make her shine, in every place, A young lady with so much heart, Her kind and caring, set her apart. So on this day, with love and cheer, We celebrate Alaina, so dear, The "A Team" forever, we will be, Happy Birthday, my sweet niece, from me.

A Journey of Joy and Sorrow

I ventured back to my cherished hometown, Where first we crossed paths, my dearest friend. As young companions, a bond was sown, Embarking on adventures that would transcend. We scaled the rugged cliffs, hand in hand, Gripping the rope, my trusted aid. But as my friend faltered, footing unmanned, Together we faced a life-threatening raid. I cast him the lifeline, a hope to embrace, Yet fear overcame him, he tumbled with dread. In time, I pulled him back to solid space, With tears of gratitude, our souls were fed. Through years we weathered, as loyal friends, Sharing the joys, triumphs, and sorrows. But when tragedy struck, our bond extends, As we faced a test that future borrows. His son, lost in a dark and tragic hour, Leaving them shattered, deep in despair. I wished to offer solace, a soothing power, To heal their wounds, show them I truly care. In times of sorrow and pain's grim guise, Words falter, seeking solace's embrace. Yet joy can transcend, as it softly implies, Brin

My Dog Skye

Skye, oh Skye, a loyal friend indeed, Whose love for his family is all he needs, He longs for his pack to be together, His heart filled with love, now and forever. His mom is his favorite, his heart's delight, With her by his side, everything is right, He longs for his family to be complete, And his love for them is truly sweet. With a bark and a nuzzle, he shows his love, For his family, sent from up above, His devotion to them is never-ending, And his love for them is always mending. So let us learn from Skye's devotion, And the way he loves with such emotion, And strive to love our families too, With a love that's pure and always true.