Each Day's a Gift, Not a Given

Treat Every Day As A Gift

I'm gonna tear away from my traveling theme for just one blog. Life is so very fragile. As the world knows, three icons have passed away this week in Los Angeles, Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett and the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. Two were kind of expected; both Farrah and Ed had been battling mightily against the demon, cancer. Michael's death was a sudden jolt. I guess you couldn't have expected him to leave this earth any other way. Wow. Nary a day passed from the mid 70's to the early 80's that at least one of these stars weren't made mention.

Farrah's transcendent poster adorned the wall of practically every boy I knew growing up (along with Roger Staubach, the Bee-Gees and John Travolta's Saturday Night Fever). Her Texas roots endeared her to me even though I thought Charlie's Angels was too corny. An interesting fact in Longhorn lore, Farrah was James Street's escort the first day he set foot on campus. James went on to accomplish fabulous things at the University. I guess there is something to be said for the women on your arm. May you rest in peace, Farrah. You fought a marvelous fight.


I still remember Ed McMahon's off-screen laugh while Johnny Carson was doing some insanely funny skit in costume. His deep, belly laugh made you laugh along with him even if nothing was funny. I pray they rejoin for an encore performance in the next life; and I hope I can get tickets. Rest in peace, Ed. I'll miss your laugh.

Michael Jackson invented "cool" in the 70's and 80's and defined "weird" thereafter. But I'm not here to exploit his frailty or condemn his character. I'm writing to celebrate his genius. Please, tell me you haven't attempted to moonwalk? Liar. His music and dance identified a generation, helped dissolve race barriers and carried pop music to the rural populous. America melded with "Beat It", "Billie Jean" and "Bad".

Each day's a gift. Blaze a trail and make everyday count. Ask yourself hard questions. Seek the truth. Never, ever quit. Give way more than you take. Find a cause and fight for it. Fear is a sickness; cleanse yourself of fear. Climb the ladder and bring someone with you. Shut up and Listen. Love. Laugh. Pray. Peace.

Blaze a trail,
Al
the Travel Valet