I have been quite busy at work and at home the past few days - but not so busy as to escape the constant drumbeat of (very) bad news from Afghanistan, Libya and Japan. Afghanistan and Libya seem to be horrifying cesspools of human cruelty. and I despair that the conditions for the common people in those countries will ever get better. By contrast, the Japanese seem to be displaying amazing patience and strength of character - but that is about all you can say that is positive about the situation that they are in.
At my job, my union has been faced with the usual back stabbing from the politicians and it appears that all of us will be taking about a 8% pay cut this year due to changes in health care cost sharing and pension contributions. While, as usual, I am trying to keep a public professional face on; inside I am seething. But it can't be helped and I have little choice but to take it; it's not like I can afford to retire soon.
Against this backdrop of gloom, it was nice to go to church today and witness my daughter's having their first communion. Kneeling at the altar and watching Banshee and Entropy receive the Eucharist from the pastor was really special. It was a moment in time that enabled me to marvel on how beautiful and miraculous my daughters are. Sometimes I am too tired to go to church but this parish has been responsible for quite a few such moments; including both daughter's baptisms and watching Banshee play an angel on Christmas eve when she was three.
So moments like this are good because they help me remember all that I have to be appreciative of: wonderful and healthy kids, a loving wife, a nice house, and living in a country where I am left relatively alone by my government and neighbors.
Thanks for reading,
A grateful Schmuckalooski
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