Do The Right Thing

I spoke to a very dear friend yesterday. I adore talking with him. I have known him for nearly thirty years! He has been terribly influential in my life and the lives of my children. There will be a "Ch-Angel" piece about him sometime soon, but today I wanted to send home to you his mantra:  "Do The Right Thing"!

We spoke for quite a while yesterday, about a great many things. We talked about friends that come and go, opportunities for people and ourselves, and family. The underlying message throughout the entire conversation was to Do The Right Thing. It isn't always easy. It isn't always the quickest thing. It isn't always pleasant, but once you do it . . . boy, howdy . . . life changes for you. Things seem a little simpler; a little more pleasant; a bit more brilliant.

Doing The Right Thing can mean helping out a neighbor. Mowing their lawn or watching their dog or simply chatting about what ails 'em.

Doing The Right Thing can mean continuing to always chase your dreams. Idle hands are the devil's workshop. An active mind and body can keep you young and constantly in search of new and excitement possibilities before you!

Doing The Right Thing can mean walking diligently through the minefield that is child-rearing and sometimes getting it wrong but ALWAYS being there. It is sharing expectations that they cannot possibly see available to them that you are CERTAIN they could do with ease. It is about gently guiding them to reach a potential is within their grasp with just a little effort. It is about praising and passion and protection and patience.

Doing The Right Thing is about treating people with respect. Realizing that family is something you can never live without ~ even when you'd really like to disassociate for a while. It's realizing, too, that sometimes "family" especially includes those you are not related to at all but who would eagerly, bravely, and staunchly stand next to you . . . no matter what! It's about accepting folks for what and who they are and accepting the bountiful gifts each one offers.

Doing The Right Thing can sometimes mean taking the two minutes out of your busy schedule to call an old friend. Staying connected. Do it correctly, and it turns into a nearly hour long conversation filled with laughter and joy and beautiful memories!

Thank you, my friend, for being you; your years of friendship and family and support. You are absolutely a "Ch-Angel" and my life is exponentially and infinitely improved because you are a part of it! I love you!