Don't Let This Happen to You

Two of my favorite posts this year from my own blog, I responded to one of Randy Seaver's SNGF posts, "Who Do I Blame?". I followed that one up with "Who Do I Blame for Not Starting Sooner?". One thing I did not mention in those posts because I was unable to think of some of the dialogue I wanted to convey is, "Don't Let This Happen to You".  Another one of the many reasons I do genealogy and why do I write these blogs is to think of and relay some of the things going on in my life and some things that have happened to some of my ancestors that I hope my descendants won't have to experience. Up until yesterday, I was thinking specifically of some addictions that are not necessarily genetic, but seem to be running rampant in my family. I'm specifying of alcoholism and nicotine addictions. My father and all of his brothers were alcoholics; then there is nicotine... Many, many of my ancestors smoked cigarettes. That addiction has me by the throat and won't let go. I previously wanted to write more about these addictions but still haven't felt all of the words come through. Recent discussion with a doctor, referred me to a movie of all things. The Insider, starring Russell Crowe and Al Pacino. Good flick, watch it; especially if you are nicotine addicted. For now, all I have to say about nicotine is, if you don't start, you won't have to worry about how hard it will be for you to quit. I know, I know. You are already smoking and you say "you can quit any time you want to". Well, 30 years ago, I said I can quit if I want to and ... Sorry. Addictions are not the point in writing this post.

My point in writing this post today is that hopefully my descendants will read and understand, "Don't let this Happen to You". Sometimes when you get a signal or even just maybe a gut feeling that something is wrong, go check it out!

Earlier this week, the tire sensor light came on in my car. Isn't it wonderful that the newer cars have indicators to tell you when your tire is going flat? In the olden days, vehicles didn't even have turn signals. You had to stick your arm out of the window to indicate turning. Anyway, I did not ignore the tire sensor light, but did put it on the back burner for what turned out to be tooooo looooong! Yesterday, I was on I-75 and headed to the library when my tire blew. I was very lucky. I had a tire blow before and wasn't going as fast as I was yesterday and with less traffic. That other blowout felt more horrific than this one did. Fortunately, by the grace of God, I was in the right hand lane yesterday and rush hour traffic was slowing down to where I had no choice but to slow down also.

My point in writing this post is not about the tire or my near miss, but simply to pass on what I hope is another lesson in life. Anytime that you get into and behind the wheel of yours or anybody else' vehicle, if you or that vehicle are not 100%, your life is at risk. Even if you and the vehicle are 100%, your life is still at risk for the other drivers, all of their circumstances and anything else that you cannot control. I request beg and plead that you constantly consider your safety and security as you go throughout your day to day activities. Frequently, I think about my Grandma Clara, when she used to say her prayers at night and she would repeat the Serenity Prayer.

God, grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

I said, I frequently think about that prayer and I should also mention that I don't think about it as often as I think I should. I may not have been able to control that blowout happening yesterday but I could have taken just a few moments to look at the tire earlier this week.



Let me pass on another lesson learned while I'm at it. While I was at the tire shop today, I asked the young man if there was an extra charge for disposal. He said, $2. I said jokingly, "Great, cause if it were much more, I'd have to take that tire and ditch it on the side of the road". His response, "Yea I always tell my customers you can pay me $2 or take a chance you won't get caught when you ditch it. That will cost you a $5000 fine". Pay the $2. Or even if it were $5, It's still insurance that the tire is taken care of and you are not arrested.

As a closing thought, my Uncle Elmer used to always say, "I hope you have a safe and prosperous New Year".