"Cancer is Just a Word" - One Year Later: The Gift of Living Well

 "Yesterday is gone, tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today; let us begin." (Mother Teresa)

I have waited for this day for a year. I never doubted that it would come, but I've always known that it would be a special day for me. Each of our lives are punctuated by events and experiences that we know are significant and memorable. Sometimes they are joyful; sometimes painful. But no matter their nature,  we remember them because of the impressions they make upon us. And if we're lucky, they change us for the better. 

As I sit here reflecting, something else came to me. These moments are not the "usual landmarks" that we typically think of: the "grand days" (birthdays, weddings, honors received, adventures had, etc.)...nor the "sad days" (deaths, losses, betrayals, disappointments, etc.). Instead they are quieter moments whose impacts echo through us far past their occurrence. Such is the case today.

Today is the one year anniversary of my surgery for prostate cancer. One year ago, I began my journey from cancer patient to cancer survivor. I had written a year ago about the 1st steps of that journey and I've been eager to write again about what I've learned and experienced over the last 365 days, and perhaps how I've been changed. Most importantly, I knew I simply wanted to express deep gratitude. There is much that I am thankful for. 

"God gave us the gift of life; it is up to us to give ourselves the gift of living well." (Voltaire)

One year later, I am as healthy and strong as can be. Four checkups with my indefatigable urologist, Dr. Kadi Bryan, have found me still cancer-free. And like many who've gone through similar physical trials, I've come out with a renewed desire to live a healthier and fitter life. During the year I made several changes to improve myself physically: I quit drinking alcohol, altered my diet and eating times, and got more active again (Yoga classes, working out at the Club, more walks with Deborah, and lots of golf!). And the rewards are obvious: Lost 15 pounds. Blood pressure excellent. Strength and stamina improved. Not bad for a senior citizen. 

But the most important changes have been of a subtler nature and it's taken me awhile to recognize them. But I know I have felt them plant themselves inside of me and germinate over time. What are these "seeds"?

First and foremost, as I noted above, there has been a deep, deep sense of gratitude in me. For Life. For my life. I wake up every morning and the 1st thing I whisper to myself each day is "Good morning, Lord. Thank you for my life.". It stuns me sometimes now how I could have gone so long breathing and moving and doing what I've done on this planet for 65 years - and never really acknowledged the MIRACLE of life that I've been given. The old adage is true: One rarely appreciates what they have, until it's gone. But just like Ebenezer Scrooge after the visits of the Christmas Ghosts, my eyes have been opened and my heart changed.

"I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night." (Galileo)

At my last checkup with Dr. Bryan, I asked her how long we might be doing these. She smiled and said "You and I are going to be seeing each other for quite awhile". And in that moment, I learned what all cancer survivors do: Cancer will always be a part of my life. It doesn't just "go away". There is always a chance for it to return and other challenges to be faced. So that means that doctors' appointments, lab tests, sitting in medical waiting rooms, etc. - which used to be "once a year affairs" - are now a much bigger part of my "social calendar". But I haven't found that to be depressing or sad. What will be, will be. 

Being a cancer survivor also granted me "membership" into a club populated by friends and acquaintances that I never knew belonged. For example, this past spring I learned that one of the first players I ever coached - some 40 years ago - was battling cancer. As an 8th grader, Scott Kellar was my star and a joy to coach. He went on to become a legendary boys' basketball coach in Oregon for the last 26 years. It was a special privilege to learn of his ongoing battle with cancer and to reconnect with him this year. And I'm a lifelong member of "Kellar's Krew", a support group formed by an ex-player of his. He, and all like him, inspire me to face whatever I must as life goes on,

Sporting my "Kellas's Krew" t-shirt

I have a different view of my life than I did a year ago. There is a much shortened time frame that I tend to view things through.  This is inevitable, I think, when one gets an unmistakable glimpse into the fact of their own mortality. Sooner or late, the notice that "the warranty is running out' is delivered to us all. But that message can be received with gratitude and grace, instead of fear or resentment. As a result, as I noted in my last blog, "We'll see" has become a mantra and guiding thought for me. Acceptance of "what is" is true alchemy. I have a greater degree of patience with many things. 

Yet, at the same time, I have less willingness to waste time or take things or relationships for granted. Individual moments - especially the small ones - are more precious to me than before. I've read some cancer survivors talking about how this means they want to do so much more and to not miss a chance to live life to the fullest. But for me, I've found I'm less interested in another "adventure" or "doing one more thing". I've travelled to places around the world; I've seen sights and "done things". 

Deborah snuck this pic of me thinking deep thoughts on the patio

Now I am happiest when I'm outdoors, enjoying the beauty of southern Oregon, no matter the season. Taking pictures of the glorious fall leaves on the golf course. Walking in the woods with Deborah. And when it's too wet to be outside, I can sit here peacefully watching the gray rain dripping and pooling on the ground outside. Reading has become a lost pastime newly appreciated. Remembering our rambunctious grandkids far away brings a smile. Hearing Deborah laugh lights a glow in my heart. Sitting quietly, like now, and just reflecting.  And so much more than can be listed or described. 

"Not how long, but how well you have lived is the main thing.” — Seneca

So a year later, I am still learning and working at how to "live well". In the end, I can't think of a more useful task to pursue or greater gift to be given. And for that I say, in the immortal words of a true spirit of the season:

"And God bless us, everyone!" (Tiny Tim Cratchit, "A Christmas Carol")

Happy holidays to all!

"When I'm 65..." : Reflections on Aging Gracefully

 "When I get older losing my hair, many years from now...Will you still be sending me a Valentine, birthday greetings, bottle of wine? If I'd been out till quarter to three, would you lock the door? Would you still need me, would you still feed me...when I"m 64?" (The Beatles)

These thoughts have been rumbling around in my head - like a pair of knotted socks tumbling in the dryer - for the last several months. Something in me wanted to write about this, and another part of me kept dodging the chance to. Interesting dance to watch inside - kind of like playing "peek-a-boo" with oneself. But I finally got myself to sit down and sit still enough to let whatever's inside to come out. I'll be as surprised as you...

I'm about 1/2 way through Year 65 for me on this planet, and I have felt something significant about this year the whole time I've been living it. It has certainly been turbulent; most notably as a result of the beginning of my "from this day forward" dance with cancer. In 9 days, I'll be commemorating the one year anniversary of my surgery. All went well, and has been well. I am happy and healthier than I've ever been. 

But this event triggered in me a number of things: call them thoughts, or realizations, or discoveries...I'm not sure which fits best. But all of them have been new for me. Unlike anything I've previously thought, or realized, or discovered. They've all centered around the realization that I'm now an age that is "officially old". 65. Six decades, and then some. Retirement, Social Security, Medicare, "Senior" discounts at stores, AARP, 5 pm dinner times, nothing like a good pair of slippers and a cup of tea, one glass of wine puts one to sleep, 830 pm means "Good night, Irene" - that's the world of 65. That's what 65 meant to me. 

And as I've reached 65, I've learned that much of this is true. I cannot ignore that I'm older; the aches are a little more frequent and my pace has slowed a bit. But, as I suspect is true for most people when they age, I don't FEEL older emotionally inside. To some degree, the same Jonathan stares out of these eyes at the world. And this Jonathan sees much that has changed in the world, while inside, it feels a constancy about himself.

But I know I've changed. And that's what I've wanted to reflect on. At this point in my life, how have I changed? What is important to me now? What no longer is? And most importantly, am I "aging gracefully"? I don't know who coined that phrase, but it's an intention of mine. It seems to me that that is a CHOICE that we all ultimately have: How interested am I in being a wiser, nicer, more dignified, respectful, kinder, grateful human being as my time on this Earth begins to move to its conclusion? That choice is offered to all of us at all times in our lives. But I think it gets overlooked in the hustle and bustle of us "becoming something" and "living our lives". Only when we're older does its significance loom larger in our lives...if we're lucky. So here are some thoughts. 

"Aging is an extraordinary process where you become the person you always should have been." (David Bowie)

1.  I know that I value SIMPLE PLEASURES more deeply than I ever had. The evening cup of tea. Walks in the park with Deborah: dry leaves swirling our feet as we stroll among the quiet sentinels of fir and maple The unexpected pleasure in another person's eyes when you say something positive to them, like "Good job!" or "You impressed me" or simply "Thank you for being kind". Just sitting on my deck in the summer and watching the sun set on the golden hills.

A Simple pleasure: Misty morning at the golf course

And, yes, there's a small part of me that will wonder whether all my "adventuring" is done. It sadly sighs, thinking there are no more "epic stories' to live and tell. And I worry at times about getting stuck in a world of daily ruts and routines. I know I'm a creature of habits. But I'm growing more comfortable with the new "adventures" being the explorations of the inner kind. As I get older, I'm getting more and more familiar with my true nature: both good and not so good. And that is a valuable Pearl. 

2.  I enjoy the independence and freedom that both Deborah and I enjoy. We are lucky to be comfortable financially. This enables us to spend our days as we wish now. And best of all, we each get to spend them with our best friend. There can be no greater blessing. 

Yet, I've also noticed an odd feeling of "unimportance". This is something no one ever tells you comes with aging...and it's certainly foreign to someone who's been a teacher and coach and leader of sorts through most of his life. At 65, I'm seeing how it's easy to feel like none of "the world" cares about you or what you think anymore. You're a "Boomer". The world is seemingly run by 30-45 year olds. Advertisers only market drugs and vitamins to you. Entertainment seems designed to only shock you. The traditional values that you grew up with seem to have been tossed aside. The world looks to be a mess - and there's nothing you can do about it. 

But in those moments I'm reminded of this quote and its timeless truth:

“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.” (Viktor Frankl)

And so I smile...and am grateful to still keep choosing a new way as it unfolds before me. 

A big Thanksgiving smile on a walk in our favorite park

3.  Finally, I've learned the true value of two simple words.  I have said these two words more often in the last year than I have in the previous 20 years of my life. They have helped give me clarity during difficult times; they have taught me both hope and patience; they have allowed Life to give me gifts that I could've never given myself. What are those two words?

WE'LL SEE. We'll see. 

They remind me of the fact that life on the Earth will ultimately reveal to us all, whether we agree with it or not. We are creatures born of a Higher nature. There is a Divine force and purpose in this world that is truly beyond our comprehension. For too long we struggle trying to "be the Creator" ourselves - convinced that we "control" Life, others, events, etc.. Only Time can ultimately prove the futility of that belief. As I've gotten older, it's been a little easier for me to doubt the certainty of what Jon thinks "he knows". I've come to more graciously accept that "what is" in a moment is more real than "what should be". And in the end, "what is" is really never static. Life is always being born, growing, living, dying, being reborn. "We'll see" reminds me of that reality and gift. 

It's been worthwhile to spend the time writing these thoughts down. I know I will reflect back on them. I'm sure there will be a Jonathan in the future who will need to be reminded of these insights. And I'm sure there will be more Pearls to come as my travels through Life continue. 

We'll see. 

Life's Journey - Storms and Sunshine

A Wondrous Journey (Ch. 7) - Feats of Derring-Do: Sailing Over Tahoe

 "If you spend too much time thinking about a thing, you’ll never get it done.” – Bruce Lee

Wow. It was 9 years ago that I sat down and began to tell the story that my heart longed to tell: the story of my relationship with Deborah, the love of my life. I called this story "A Wondrous Journey" and it truly has been. Filled with twists and turns; unexpected gifts and challenges; and always, valuable lessons. And in the 1st 6 chapters, I wrote about our courtship - the story of how we met and fell in love. 

"Come Fly with Me" ~ Lake Tahoe July 2009

But then my mind stalled for awhile. What more could I write about? What might be the next path that I would explore on this journey? I was stumped for a bit. And I felt the press of time. As I've aged, it's become more and more evident to me that I do not have "all the time in the world" anymore to tell the stories that live in me. Thinking is not doing, as Mr. Lee observed. If I don't sit down and do this, these stories will fade away. And that would be a shame. I cannot let time just slip away like sand in my hands on the beach. 

Then like a dormant ember, sparked by the breeze of an opening door and leaping to life, inspiration lit the dusty cobwebs of my mind. "Ah ha! That's it!" And so the journey continues...

"As soon as I saw you, I knew adventure was going to happen." ~ A. A. Milne

The last chapter I wrote was about an adventure Deborah and I shared on the Rogue River back in our courting days. It was just the 1st of many semi-wild and memorable experiences we have shared over the years. So that's what I'll write about next for awhile: other feats of "derring-do" that have amused and thrilled us over the years. There have been many! There has always been an "adventurer's" gene buried inside this quiet stoic German/Finn - and all it took to ignite it was to be paired with a spunky, brave, extroverted Italian from southern California! And as they say, the rest is history! 

So here's the 1st entry in this next set of stories. A tale about sailing over Lake Tahoe. 

Lake Tahoe was the 1st special vacation place we went to together as a couple. We'd been to the beaches of Oregon. We'd visited Deborah's parents in southern California. But Tahoe was the place we chose for our 1st "exotic" summer getaways after getting married. Deborah had spent many summers there with her family growing up. Tahoe had long been a DeMattia destination. But this "world traveler" had never been there. So it seemed a perfect place to explore together. Close enough to drive to easily; but far enough away to feel "alien" and exciting. 

The 1st time we went was in the summer of 2008; two years after our wedding. But it wasn't much fun. I attended a week long workshop on Advanced Placement Economics at a local college there. The Medford District paid for our trip. We stayed at a North Tahoe relic: the "Circus/Circus" hotel once haunted by Sinatra, Martin, Sammy, et al. But because of my class schedule, we really didn't have time to explore and adventure. So we were happy to plan a return trip there the next summer in July 2009. 

Beach side, Lake Tahoe - July 2009

This time we stayed at the Tahoe Sands - a hotel directly alongside the lake in North Tahoe. Unlike the last year, we now could literally walk from our room down to the sandy beaches and bask and swim to our hearts content. And we did just that. Umbrellas and inner tubes and sunscreen were our daily gear. "Beach-bumming" was the vocation of choice. 

Looking a little pink! - Beach Bumming

We also spent hours hiking the trails in the pine woods around Tahoe. We shared mid-morning meditations as the warming pines censed the air. We hugged a tree or two just for the fun of it. We spent entire days outside until the sun set - and we ended those evenings with long walks along the lake as the pink glow faded. Good memories. 

But of course there had to be an "adventure": ("An exciting experience or undertaking that is typically bold, sometimes risky", as Webster would describe). And so we set off on one that Tuesday. We saw a sign advertising "Para-Sailing Excursions" - "Breath-taking Views!" "Safe, Fun, Thrilling!" "Don't Miss the Ride of Your Life!". How could we miss this? So we signed up for an afternoon excursion. 

We showed up at dockside and joined another couple to be ferried out to the speedboat for our rides. Gray clouds skirted across the sky and it was warm and humid. A breeze rustled the long locks of our teenaged boatman as he shuttled us out to meet our fate. We chatted nervously with him - making small talk, and pretending that we were all "cool" about the upcoming experience - even though at least I was a little anxious about the fact that I'd soon be 500 feet in the air over Lake Tahoe being towed by a speedboat. Not exactly in my wheel house! 

We boarded the speed boat and drove out to the middle of the huge lake. Once there, the two crew members strapped up the other couple 1st and hoisted them up in the air. They squealed a little as they rose into the sky, and then again as the driver put the boat in motion and started towing them around the lake. All in all, it looked not so scary and a bit fun. The 1st couple was hauled back down and then it was our turn. 

Off We Go! - July 28 2009

Strapped in, belts cinched...up we went. Deborah squealed a bit - she's always been a bit wary of heights. I sucked in a deep breath as we rose and the massive blue lake shrank below us. There we were. 500 feet up. I remember being disappointed a bit. I'd expected a feeling of movement; of wind rushing past my face as we motored around the lake. But it was surprising calm. The boat below wasn't really going very fast; and we were just two little kites slowly tagging along with it. The view was unique; but one thing caught both Deborah and my eyes. The gray clouds in the sky were starting to darken and gather ominously. it was clear an afternoon thunderstorm was approaching and neither of us wanted to be up in the sky at the end of a metal cable when it arrived. 

High in the Sky

Look Ma - No hands!

Getting our toes wet

Fortunately, the crew had also noticed this and had begun to haul us down. They played around a bit with us, bouncing us near the surface so we could dip our toes in the lake. But all we wanted was to be back in the boat and headed to the shelter of shore. We settled safely into the boat and looked over our shoulders tensely  as the crew slowly stowed the chutes. The clouds were rolling down the mountains around the lake and a chill wind began to whistle. "Get us to shore", we silently whispered. The speedboat set off, But it couldn't go all the way in. Our intrepid teen boatman had to shuttle us the last 200 yards into the shore. 

Here it comes...head for shore!

As we climbed down into the small tender, the teen gave us a hand to steady us. As he did, both Deborah and I saw a sight we would NEVER forget. The air above the lake was so charged with static electricity that the kid's hair was LITERALLY STANDING STRAIGHT UP ON END, like a plugged in Einstein! He seemed totally oblivious to this fact as he revved the outboard motor to putt putt us in. We were aghast. Though we didn't say anything, I know what we were both thinking. Lightning bolts with our names on it were just about to be delivered! 

With all our mental force, we willed that little boat to go faster. When it stopped, 20 feet from the sand, we leaped out, as the thunder clapped and the skies opened up and buckets of rain began falling. We sloshed through the knee deep water and then ran to the nearest canopy we could find. Another monstrous roll of thunder boomed and the rain pelted everything. But we were safe. And the storm grumbled disappointingly. 

A Very Wet Deborah!

What an adventure! On subsequent trips to Tahoe, I never looked at the sky quite so naively again. Loved its beauty. But I've always kept a sharp eye on its intentions ever since. A good lesson learned. To this day, we still laugh at the memories of that July afternoon above the Lake. It set a precedent for other adventures that would follow. 

A friendlier Tahoe sky later that night

 But those stories are for another chapter...hopefully coming sooner than later...

Hand in Hand

 "I could conquer the world with one hand as long as you're holding the other." (Lauren Alaina, US singer)

Our wedding anniversary is 3 days away and I wrote this as a gift to my wife and best friend, Deborah.

September 24 2006 - Truly a Beautiful Day

This adventure we call our lives together began 18 years ago, and there was a simple physical act that night that forever changed me and my world.

I was sitting next to you in the restaurant lobby on our 1st date. I was nervous, but trying bravely to pretend that I wasn't. Yet you knew. As I've learned over the years, you have always known me better than I've known myself. That is my blessing - and that is one of the reasons why I'm sure I fell in love with you. So, sensing my tension, you quietly did something that I've never forgotten. What sparked you, I don't know - Kindness? Compassion? Simple Human-ness? Perhaps all of this. But there's no doubt this simple act by you left an indelible mark on me.

You reached over and you held my hand.

And from that day forward to today and beyond, that has been the strongest symbol of the love and life that we have shared ever since.

You and Me. Hand in Hand.

There is not a day that has gone by in which we haven't strolled, sat, or stood next to each other, hand in hand.

Other people (usually "older folks") will see us and say "Isn't that nice! You never see people holding hands anymore!". Or they'll tell us "You two lovebirds make me smile". And we smile back and thank them. 

It may be a rare act in the world today to do what we do. But for us it's as natural as breathing. To be Hand in Hand.

We've shared adventures, great and small. Explored distant countries. Hiked forest trails. Sailed high over lakes. Wandered through deep canyons and quiet cathedrals. And strolled miles and miles of ocean beaches. All hand in hand. 

Wee've faced sad and difficult times as well. The deaths of loved ones. Sicknesses and surgeries. Betrayals and disappointments. Times when the whole world seems in chaos. Times when the cold winds of anger and frustration have swirled around and through us. 

And yet, no matter how dark these moments have felt at times - impenetrable and perpetual - Love's eternal presence has always been proven to us by a simple act that we each have remembered, no matter what. 

We reach out to the other. And we start again. Hand in Hand. 

If there ever was a theme song for our relationship and the love we have shared it is the beautiful piano solo by David Nevue that our friend Kate used to play at times for our Sunday classes. It always brought tears to my eyes as I listened to her play. I'm listening to it now as I write this, as it still touches me the same. 

No surprise as to its title. "Hand in Hand". 

Hand in Hand - by David Nevue

If I could, I'd play this song for you as you read this. Somehow, someway, I probably will. The music says things that my heart wishes to - but that my words cannot. 

So, as our 17th anniversary draws near, I just wanted to share these thoughts and feelings with you - out of gratitude and from love. They are the most precious gifts I can give you today. 

"I don't know where my road is going, but I know that I walk better when I hold your hand." (Alfred de Musset, Fr. poet)

And I make a simple promise that I will never stop reaching for your hand. May Love continue to guide us and enrich us. May it continue to be what holds us together as our Life journey goes on. No matter which way the road turns...no matter how high the hills or deep the valleys...sunny or stormy...I know one thing will always be true.

You and Me. Together. Hand in Hand.

Celebrating 17 years together in Sunriver 2 weeks ago

I love you always Sweetie. 

Your Jonathan

True American Pride - Real Things to Celebrate About This Nation: Some Final Thoughts

 As my month of celebrating things that I truly treasure and value about this great nation of ours - and the people who are its citizens - these final thoughts seemed worth sharing...

# 30: JUNE 30: SOME FINAL THOUGHTS

"God bless America, land that I love

Stand beside her and guide her

Through the night with the light from above

From the mountains to the prairies

To the oceans white with foam

God bless America, my home sweet home." (Irving Berlin)

Our front porch - July 4 2023

My final entry for this month of Genuine American Pride. It has been a quiet joy for each of the last 30 days to see how I could remember, celebrate, and honor what is unique, right, and honorable about this great country of ours and the people who respect it and are grateful.for it.

Yours truly

My beautiful fellow patriot and wife

I've appreciated the chance to share this, even if only a handful ever saw it. America: as a country, a unified culture, as an idea and as an inspiration...is worth celebrating, defending, and being grateful for.

May those of us who have been blessed to enjoy all that's good about this country be brave enough, and wise enough, to make sure our children and grandchildren know and enjoy the same. (That's our granddaughter Addy celebrating Memorial Day last year) Indeed, as Mr. Berlin wrote, "God bless America". Amen.

True American Pride - Real Things to Celebrate About This Nation (#15)

 

#28: AMERICANA: ICE CREAM CONES

"When I was a kid, I used to think, 'Man, if I could ever afford all the ice cream I want to eat, that's as rich as I ever want to be.'" (Jimmy Dean)

Nearing the end of my month of celebrating things American to be proud of. Some have been serious, some not as much. Hope you've enjoyed them. I've had fun seeing what popped up in my head. Like this one...

Today for Entry #28 I celebrate the American invention of the ice cream cone. How could there be a real summer without a few of these enjoyed?? When I was a kid (and still today), there was no better treat than an ice cream cone!!

It's commonly believed that they were invented at the St. Louis World Fair on July 23 1904 by a resourceful ice cream vendor, Charles E. Menche, who when he ran out of bowls to serve his customers, talked a nearby waffle vendor into making some rolled up versions of his pastry to serve ice cream in. Other bits of fun trivia:

Thomas Jefferson was the 1st president to serve ice cream in the White House.

The most popular flavors are still vanilla and chocolate. 55% of Americans choose one or the other as their top. Any guesses at #3? (I'll provide the answer later today )

The world's largest ice cream cone was created on May 18 2023 in Englewood CO by Matthew Beem. It stood 11 feet high and consisted of 100 pounds of waffle, 300 pounds of chocolate and over 1,000 pounds of vanilla ice cream. Wowza. Americans always do things BIGLY!

"Lieutenant Dan. I got you some ice cream. Lieutenant Dan. Ice Cream!" (Forrest Gump)

Cheers to America and this summer treat!

#29: JUNE 29: AMERICANA - FAMOUS FOLK HEROES

"Be always sure you are right - then go ahead." (Davy Crockett)

"He helped us, and we don't even know his name. Who was that masked man?" "Don't you know? He's the Lone Ranger!"

Entry #29 of my True Things American to Be Proud Of (I wonder how many different ways I've titled this over the month!). For my next to last entry, I again called on memories from my youth. Today I celebrate the legendary heroes of American folklore. My goodness! I remember being enthralled as a young boy reading their stories in books from the library, and watching their exploits in the afternoons on our black and white TVs. Though most of them were ficitional, they were all real to this young lad...

Through them I learned values of good vs. evil, honesty, doing the right thing, helping those in distress, and so much more. And I grew to appreciate the American literary genre of the "tall tale". Born of the frontier, it's probably where I gained my "skill" of telling a few of them of my own at times.

So to Daniel Boone, Davy Crockett, Johnny Appleseed, Paul Bunyan & Babe the Blue Ox, The Lone Ranger, John Henry, Pecos Bill, Sam Patch, and so many more...I say "Thank you!" for all you taught a young boy and how you entertained him. It's a shame that today's youth probably have no idea of who these figures were. Somebody should teach them. God Bless America.

"I have never been lost, but I will admit to being confused for several weeks." (Daniel Boone)

(Now my wife will now why I'm like this!)

True American Pride - Real Things to Celebrate About This Nation (#14)

 Coming down the home stretch...here you go...

#26: JUNE 26: AMERICANA: GOOD ALL BLUE JEANS

"Jeans represent democracy in fashion." (Giorgio Armani)

So true. As my month of celebrating True American Things to be Proud of starts to come to its end, I couldn't help but include an entry on this classic piece of American fashion and culture. For Entry #26, I celebrate blue jeans. If there's one single piece of clothing that it's safe to say ALL Americans, no matter what race, gender, religion, economic class, or even age, have worn at one time in their life, it is these sturdy trousers.

The design that is the forefather of all of today's current versions of "blue jeans" was patented by Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis in 1873. Originally intended to be the "working man's" pants, worn by factory workers, miners, farmers, cowboys, etc. (which by the way is why my father NEVER let me wear jeans to class when I was in high school!), Strauss and Davis' creation morphed into a much broader fashion and cultural statement in the 1950's and then again in the 1980's, and is still growing strong today. They became to be seen, as Armani said above, as a statement of "democracy" and "equality".

So whether you prefer Levis, Wranglers, Lee, Calvin Kleins, Diesel, True Religion, Pepe, Nudie, or Guess jeans...cheers to the jeans and to this classic piece of Americana

"The whole world loves American movies, blue jeans, jazz and rock and roll. It is probably a better way to get to know our country than by what politicians or airline commercials represent." (Billy Joel)

#27: JUNE 27: A GREAT PATRIOT - THOMAS PAINE

"THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated." (Thomas Paine, "The Crisis", December 23 1776)

Entry #27 of True American Pride Month. Another classic, soul-stirring set of words that inspire me every time I read them. Thomas Paine wrote them at the lowest, darkest moments of the American Revolution when all seemed lost for the colonists. Earlier in 1776, Paine had written an even more stirring pamphlet, "Common Sense" which laid out an eloquent argument that Americans had a unique opportunity to change the course of history by creating a new sort of government in which people were free and had the power to rule themselves. "Common Sense" was the first truly "viral" publication in our American history.

And so I remember Paine's words, especially during these current trying times. Sometimes the trials are national and large in scale; sometimes they are small and daily. But no matter the "crisis", it is a true American virtue worth remembering and practicing: do not shrink from the "trouble" or "suffering". True Americans...true individuals...stand tall...and remember the gifts they have been given. God Bless America.