dear diary: regret

Regret is an appalling waste of energy;
you can't build on it;
it's only good for wallowing in.
Katherine Mansfield

Regret, I've been reading and hearing many people
talking about this recently, and figure its about time
for me to say a few things about it.

Younger, I had many of the same response's most
people have, if this hadn't happened, if I would have
done this instead of that, if I wouldn't have been together
with her, I would have been with someone else, etc, etc.

I can't tell for sure why I think the way I do, or that
it makes any sense, just that it has worked for me,
and in the end, that's all that seems to matter.

My Dad had a pretty crazy upbringing and I think this
is more for him, than anyone, since we never get a
chance to talk, one on one about this.

I hope he can reconcile his past, and enjoy the rest of
his life without having the chains he has put around
himself, about a situation that is long gone,
and for something he had no control.

I guess when you hang on to thoughts like that, it's hard to
let them go, but on the other hand, since he can't reconcile the past
with those that he feels has caused the anguish he feels
about them and growing up, it's time to move forward,
let it go and really, enjoy the time and the people
here and now, so he doesn't regret any of todays
people, who are still here and appreciate
him despite whatever the past has been.

And for Hawk, thanks for thinking about me,
and I'm sorry for your loss and hope and feel,
all will be well in your world!

This is Clarence and Barbara, friends from
when we first moved here to Indiana.

Clarence was a printer, before they became extinct
and Barbara was a nurse. Since retiring, they've run
an antique store until recently.

Barbara was diagnosed with breast cancer and
had surgery for that removal a few years back.
Unfortunately, the cancer has spread and they
are dealing with it accordingly.

Some people find it easy to talk when being recorded,
some like to write what they want to say, and read it.
This is what Clarence has done.

The following excerpt is Clarence, which I'd like
to share with you, if you are interested.

Although we don't see them as often as we'd like,
they are the type of people, who, when you do visit,
about 3 hours goes by, and you still are talking
with each other.

We are on our way to the Detroit area to return
some quilts, and sadly, the Motown Museum
is closed but we have found a deli in
Ann Arbor that looks pretty cool.