Day 15 - I'm With Ya' Man

Twice today I was with people who are dealing with depression.  Both are just awesome human beings that I feel privileged to know.  Both folks are more successful in life than they realize at the moment when it comes to the real things that matter.  I worked out at Buckeye Gym this morning and ran three miles listening to the sweet soul music of Teddy Pendergrass.  I was incredibly happy.  I was at peace. That wasn't the case for me for a while in July 1990.  I had to fight off depression and eventually with the help of Mari and some close friends, I pulled out.  My points of reference in life at that time just needed to be adjusted.  The words below appeared on a card in a book that was sent to me regarding banking regulations of all things. I kept the card on my desk until I gave it to a dear friend who's business career is starting to take off.  It was one of my prized possessions. I offer it now to you.  It's what I truly believe and why I think I will succeed in October.  It's why I think my troubled friends will break their cycle of bad feeling because below is what they do.  We can go back to the frivolity of my writing of Uncle Cookie and his escapades tomorrow.  For tonight, these words are a reminder of my goal and a prayer and a message of love to my friends.  Tomorrow my seven miles are for them.  Anyone without a smile on their face know this. I'm breaking out the best Barry White and Isaac Hayes music that I have in my possession. I might even throw in a little more Teddy P for good measure. I'll be on a soulful run on Sand Run Trail.  Tomorrow morning I'll be in the words of Brian Wilson and his band, "Sending out good vibrations."  We will succeed, together. Particularly the "laugh often" part. Oh, one more thing. Billy Joel has been through a lot stuff in his personal life.  Know how Billy ends everyone of his concerts without exception?  After he thanks the band, the audience, and the crew, he advises the audience, "Don't take shit off of anybody."  Ralph Waldo Emerson was saying that too.  Emerson was just a little more eloquent! Both men are spot on.