Happy Birthday to me

I want to thank everyone who wished me a Happy Birthday on Monday. I am truly grateful to have so many wonderful people in my life. This week’s story is to let everyone know what I have learned through the last 62 years.

   Before I do that, I feel the need to clear up some common misconceptions.

#1 We did have electricity.

#2 The automobile had been invented.

#3 We had indoor plumbing. (Although when you are out working in a hay field, the outdoor plumbing works also!)

#4 We did have a telephone. It was a rotary dial phone and we were on a party line, but we still had a telephone.

#5 We didn’t have to walk to school in a snowstorm. Sometimes it was raining.

   Now that we have that cleared up, we can discuss the important life lessons I have learned.

#1 There is nothing better than the hard work ethic my parents taught me.

   Dad and Mom taught all us kids the true value of a hard day of work. We jokingly changed the name of the Wilker Ranch to the Wilker Prison Farm. But no matter what we felt was challenging work it was nothing compared to the work our parents had put in growing up. Especially our Dad who was a prisoner of war in the WWII for 3 &1/2 years.

#2 True friendship should not be taken for granted.

   I have many friends that have always been there for me, and I realize every day what a blessing that is. I am grateful to all of you for everything you do for me.

#3 Don’t be a brat.

   I regret the times that I would act like a brat when my feelings were hurt, or I thought I was right. (Which looking back wasn’t very often if I’m being honest!) There isn’t an award for the biggest brat, or I would have a mantle full of them.

#4 Tell the people in your life how much they mean to you.

   Life is short, so let the people in your life know how much they mean to you and how much you appreciate them.

#5 Your life will always get better when you reach out and help people.

   When I started volunteering at the hospital, it made everything in my life better. It helped me put my trials into perspective, and it is one of the most rewarding experiences I have done.

   These are just a few things I have learned. I hope all of you know how much I appreciate your friendship and for reading my stories every week. Monday was also my 36th wedding anniversary. I will always LOVE AND MISS YOU sweetheart.

Next week: Happy Cinco De Mayo

P.S. I have also learned it’s impossible to foul out in morning basketball. Believe me, I’ve tried.