You'll never know what you've got till it's gone.


A proud father, a mom that is feeling blessed, and a loved child could well depict the moment in time captured by my camera.  My granddaughter, Nora, turned one year old in January of this year and we were there to celebrate the occasion.  Surrounded by her parents, both sets of grandparents, and her great-grandmother, she was only aware of those who deeply cared for her and the about-to-be demolished cake.  Her basic needs were well tended to.  Full tummy, safe, surrounded by loved ones, and happy.  This is the way it should be.

Then Russia invaded Ukraine.  Food became hard to come by.  Loved ones were separated as the men went off to defend their homeland, possibly to never return.  The warm, dry, and hospitable surroundings that were commonplace became rare parameters with uncertainty about what tomorrow would bring.  Over three million refugees, mostly women, children, and the elderly, were suddenly fleeing for their lives.  Many were injured, some lost, and all wondering if their world would ever return to normal.  

Each morning you and I wake up to familiar and safe surroundings.  The presence of home, health, and loved ones are anticipated without a second thought. It is easy to forget that such trivialities are all too ephemeral.  There are no guarantees.  Floods, wildfires, war, accidents, and disease all linger just beyond the horizon, unseen specters anxious to inflict trauma on the unsuspecting.  Their absence is taken for granted.  Yesterday, today, and tomorrow are all assured.

Joni Mitchell's song flows through my mind, its melody reminding me that each day is a blessing and something to be thankful for.  Although it is easy to complain about some issue irritating our existence, the truth is that such matters are mere inconveniences.  I often forget that; would it be that such trivialities were the worry of the day for those fleeing disaster.  

My granddaughter's birthday was an awesome occasion.  How wonderful that we all got to experience it under propitious circumstances.  Not everyone is so lucky.

Thanks for reading.   www.ericspix.com

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