Musings of a Senior Scribe
Reader's: Thanks Much!!
By Mona Lease

Hi, all! I usually take this time of the year to thank you readers...I could not do these columns without all of you. All of you that tell me your stories of triumphs, defeats, and the like; you all have a part in this joint effort. I try to make this a place of hope and help. I hope to give you a word of encouragement - or at least a chuckle.

And to the Vets - "Thanks" does not seem to be enough...all of your training - physical and mental...the many missed birthdays, anniversaries, births & deaths, and all of the "creature comforts"  you've sacrificed that make me free to write these words - WOW!!...gulp.

To the families of the Vets - I can not imagine what you've endured. You surely must be a strong group of individuals! Maybe I can learn to endure my "petty inconveniences" when I see your strength in action.

Lastly - I'll leave you with a few quotes to consider. Thanks, again - Readers, Vets & Families!

"Too many people spend money they earned...to buy things they don't want...to impress people they don't like." - Will Rogers

"To love. To be loved. To never forget your own insignificance. To never get used to the unspeakable violence and the vulgar disparity of life around you. To seek joy in the saddest places. To pursue beauty to it's lair. To never simplify what is complicated or complicate what is simple. To respect strength, never power. Above all, to watch. To try and understand. To never look away. And never, never to forget." Arundhati Roy.

"The real things haven't changed. It is still best to be honest and truthful; to make the most of what we have; to be happy with simple pleasures; and have courage when things go wrong." -  Laura Ingall Wilders

"You couldn't erase the past. You couldn't even change it. But sometimes life offers you the opportunity to put it right." - Ann Brashares

"Let yourself be open and life will be easier. A spoon of salt in a glass of water makes the water undrinkable. A spoon of water in a lake is almost unnoticed." - Buddha Siddhartha Guantama Shakyamuni.

Thanks again, readers. And - treat a Vet to dinner!!

Remember the kiddies and our service people. Take good care of the furry and feathered ones out there. Be safe and healthy. See ya next time!! Ever toodles!! MONA