TNet encounters often teach and reinforce life lessons.

Apr 11, 2024, 9:02 AM

Yesterday, in my "when I go to the doctor" post, I learned or had at least three life lessons reinforced.

1. There are still good people who do the right thing. In the post coltdizzle® and I went back and forth at each other multiple times. He was the better man than I because he reached out before me to apologize. You will notice in my TNet handle that I am revmarkg. Though I hate the title reverend, because I am no more to be revered than any man. I would argue with the Apostle Paul. I think I am the chiefest of sinners. My responses to Colt were arrogant, and since I came back at him in a public forum, I want my apology to be seen in that same public forum. Loving your neighbor as yourself is to be like Christ, and I failed.

2. Every generation is important. Boomers, busters, GenX, GenY, millennials, I know some of the names have been changed and adapted. The point is all generations have and are contributing to our great nation. With all it's problems it is still the greatest nation on Earth.

In my thinking about the generations, I was reminded of my dad. I lost him eight years ago to Alzheimer's disease. In the end, when he didn't know close family members, when his personality had completely changed, when he lost his ability to communicate, caring for him was intense and difficult every day. Often caregiver fatigue would send me to thinking my life would be so much easier if he were gone. I am ashamed to admit that. Time has diminished the memories of the intensity of those days. Now, I can remember and miss the man he was before Alzheimer's took him from me. I would give anything to have a few minutes with him today.

My daughter is a junior at Clemson now. She and her friend group give me great hope for our future. They are caring, put others first, socially aware people. They love deeply, care intensely, and think thoroughly. Shout out also to our great university. Clemson has exceeded my expectations with my daughter. The way Clemson cares for, makes opportunities for, and directs the students there now, makes me immensely proud to be a Clemson Tiger.

3. Social media often brings out the worst in all of us. I have instituted a new rule for myself when posting on TNet and other social media sites. It I find myself emotionally charged by a post and feel the need to respond, I am going to take a fifteen minute cooling off period. Then, if I still feel the need to respond, I will write my response then wait another fifteen minutes before sending it. By then emotion should have returned to baseline. As my father in law is known for saying, "When emotion is high, discernment is low."

Everyone have a blessed day.