About10PM every night, a long freight train passes near our house.

As we lay in bed, we know it’s coming by that old familiar sound of the train’s whistle.

The closer it gets, the louder is the rumbling sound of all those freight cars laden with cargo.

It’s a long train because we hear the rumbling for a while.

Why do I write about the night train?

Because, as we lay there, it brings us peace.

I think its predictability creates a soothing effect knowing that there are still some things that we can count on.

The sound of the whistle can be heard as it repeats its warning far down the line.

So few events can be anticipated in our daily lives.

There are so many surprises in today’s world.

But, not that night train!

It’s always on time as it keeps on rolling down the line.

Six years ago, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

My regular urologist chose surgery, but I didn’t like his recommendation.

I decided to get other opinions.

So, I called The Mayo Clinic, The Cleveland Clinic, Northwestern University Hospital, University of Michigan Medical Center, Henry Ford Hospital and Beaumont Hospital.

Everyone I called suggested surgery except for Beaumont Hospital, which was using radio active pellets.

It was a non-surgical procedure that cured me with no side-effects.

I will always be thankful that I took the time to check around.

You should too.

There are always new medical discoveries. Some doctors use them. Some do not.

For the sake of your own health, take the time to check around.

If not today, when?

At the annual White House Correspondents Dinner, Trevor Noah was one of the speakers.

After the dinner, he said, “I made fun of the President of the United States and I feel fine!”

Obviously, he is saluting free speech that is only allowed in a free country.

Oligarchs in Russia are being murdered for speaking up against Putin’s war.

I don’t know if most Americans truly appreciate the blessing of living in a Democracy even though we may be in danger of losing it!

Freedom isn’t free!

Like everything else that’s valuable, you have to fight for it.

If not today, when?

The more obvious are police and firemen.

Then, there are doctors, nurses and ambulance crews.

And we must include teachers.

Daycare workers provide a valuable service.

Nursing home attendants are also nurturers.

Members of the military are dedicated to protecting us and our way of life.

Have you ever thanked any of these folks for their service to others?

If not, why not?

If not today, when?

Vira Hyrych, a journalist working for Radio Liberty in Ukraine, was killed during a Russian missile attack in Kyiv, the station has said.

The United States-funded news organization said rescue workers found her body on Friday morning amid the wreckage of the residential building where she had lived. She had just returned from covering the war.

She is the 20th Ukrainian journalist to die in the war.

So, a seemingly routine decision to return to her home proved to be fatal.

I truly believe the lesson here is to live our lives to the full, never knowing what fate has in store for us.

Cowering in fear every day worrying about “what might happen,” leaves us paralyzed physically and emotionally.

We must trust that we will be able to deal with whatever life hands us with confidence and faith.

Make the most of every day! Risk is a part of life.

If not today, when?

It’s True!

Fear is usually something you create.

And you continue to suffer from it until you finally confront and overcome it.

Some people live with the same fear(s) all their lives.

I read in this morning’s paper that Oprah is afraid of death.

I think many people are afraid of death.

But, because none of us can avoid it, we allow this fear to lessen our enjoyment on a daily basis.

How foolish is that?

You are the DOORKEEPER OF YOUR THOUGHTS.

Don’t let fear through that door.

It lessens your quality of life.

A word of advice: Go do whatever you’re afraid of and put it behind you forever!

If not today, when?

No Russian tanks are welcome in this village.

The residents would rather flood their homes than allow Russia’s heavy armor to kill them and their neighbors.

I hope you are paying attention to this war.

There is a lot to learn from the Ukrainians’ steadfast unwillingness to give one inch of ground without a fight to the death.

Because of their courage, 40 countries are joining together to provide help in the forms of food, arms and medical supplies.

Many military analysts feel that Ukraine will win this war because surrender is not an option.

Mothers are taking their children and parents to Poland for safety and then returning to pick up a rifle and rejoin the fight..

Putin and his evil war has unexpectedly met his match.

May good win over evil!

(NYT)

Twin brothers went off to defend their country.

One says farewell to his fallen Ukrainian brother.

They are 21 years old.

That’s usually the same old story war after war.

Young people fight and die in wars created by old men.

Ironically, two Russian twin brothers were just both killed fighting on the other side.

Now, Russia has cut off its gas supply to both Poland and Bulgaria, bordering countries who have provided safe havens to millions of fleeing refugees..

I’m sure that’s its punishment for helping people who escaped while leaving all behind.

Evil begets evil!

And on it goes from one generation to the next.

Unnecessary sadness and heartbreak!

I hope you have a prayer list.

Pray for all those in harms way!

If not today, when?

I always think of Spring as a rebirth.

It’s a chance to shake off the doldrums of winter and begin to LIVE AGAIN!

Outside my window is a bushy tree that has been barren since last November.

Now, it has radiant PINK blossoms

You and I can do what that tree just did.

We can shake off the doldrums and rejoice in the gift of life.

It’s only here for a moment, you know.

I often think of all the people I’ve known who are no longer here.

Did they make the most of their time when they had the chance?

Will you?

If not today, when?

We’re all good at somethings and not so good at others.

I think the key to success is to match your ambition to your skillset.

This means you must take inventory of those things you do well and like to do.

It might mean that you’ll have to find a job that is a better fit.

It may mean going back to school so you can improve on something you like to do so your skillset is even stronger before you begin interviewing.

We usually are good at things we like to do.

So, you may be more financially successful and happier by going to your strengths.

And don’t sell yourself short.

You ARE very good at something.

Go for it!

Become happier and more successful with a little planning..

If not today, when?

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