Reminiscing ..

I am convinced that there is a point in one's life where they stop and ponder about where they are, who they are and where they've come from. That is exactly where are am this week.

In doing so, I find myself hypersensitive to relative subject matters. I hear many talk about regrets, and they say things like "If I had to do it all over again ..." and proceed to explain about all the things in their miserable life that they would have changed over the years. Although my past choices have not always been full of wisdom or a full understanding of the consequences, I'm not sure I would change much ... if anything at all.

For example, my first marriage of 11 years failed and, in all honesty, probably should have never happened, but through that experience I gained two of the most amazing kids a father could have. I also came out on the other side with a much greater understanding of who I was and was able to quickly recognize what I truly needed in a help-mate. I am now very happily married--in June, it will be 11 years--and I can guarantee you that this past 11 years has gone a whole lot different than the previous ones did.

Having said that, I would never say "If I had to do it all over again, I would not have..." done this, or made this decision, or married this person, or whatever. I have made mistakes, but without them, I wouldn't be where I am today.

Now, to say that I am completely without regrets would be a lie. When I was in negotiations with the road manager for Mylon LeFevre & Broken Heart to become their keyboardist in the early 90's, I should have taken it and moved to Georgia. When I was asked to fly to Texas and play keyboards for George Straight at the Texas State Fair, I should have accepted. When I got rid of my '98 Camaro, I probably should have thought that through a bit more. When I was a much younger man, I should have begun socking money away for when I was older. When my first wife served me with divorce papers, I should have gotten an attorney. When my children were small, I should have tried to force the issue so that I could spend more time with them. ...so, yes, I have regrets.

If "Ifs" and "Buts" were candy and nuts,
we'd all have a Merry Christmas!

Enough said.

.: SELAH :.