No Regrets

 

Approaching 70 years of age, I got a cramp in my chest early this morning, and it set me thinking.  All my life I have rarely been where I intended to go, but it seems I always ended up where I needed to be. 

I've been pretty lucky, even during the 25 years of hell we call marriage, I still learned a lot from it.  The big lesson was to never do it again.  Fool me once, shame on you.  Fool me twice, shame on me.  I moved on down the road, with the great help of family, friends, and lovers.  I learned to have no regrets. 

I went from almost not graduating from high school to getting great grades by majoring in psychology in Junior College.  I thought Stanford would be my next stop, but the military draft called my name for Vietnam, so I joined the Air Force with no guaranteed job.  My two years of psychology, however, garnered me a position in Combat Intelligence.  I stayed in the Intelligence field for almost 23 years.  I retired as the NCOIC (Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge) of a Wing Intelligence Division at Fairchild AFB, Washington.  I left with no regrets.

I was snapped up by the Vice President of an Institutional Review Board who wanted nothing more than someone who, in his words, "won't blow smoke up my ass."  I wouldn't, and for 20 years, as  Corporate Liaison, and  Projects and Standards, I never did.  We built the company from 15 people to over 300.  I left with no regrets.

I ended up in Mississippi, where I started my life, where mom and dad retired, and where dad had his first stroke.  I returned to the state of my birth, with Terry, my "girlfriend" of almost 20 years, to take care of my parents.  It is, after all, what a son does.  I volunteered to be the "lead" chaplain at a regional medical center, having round table discussions with people in their PTSD unit.  Once again, I ended up where I needed to be, and, once again, I have no regrets.

Even through the 25-year mistake of marriage, I still managed to father two terrific children, and my daughter gifted me two terrific grandchildren.  I managed to control, for the greater part, PTSD (that I never knew I had) and learned along the way how to strive for true happiness always and in all things, regardless of my circumstances.  I try to tell those who I love, that they are loved.  A great task, considering the numbers.  Of my children and grandchildren, my friends, and my loves, I have no regrets.

As I approach the ripe old age of 70, I'm taking care of my aging mother. I can state without reservation, I'm where I need to be, with no regrets.

I will wake up tomorrow and thank God for the "gift" of another day in paradise and another chance to excel in life.  I have no regrets, as any day on this side of the dirt is a great day.  The alternative, if you think about it, simply sucks.  But, then, I can go on to the "next great adventure" having no regrets about the life I've led.

A bit of advice:  Strive for true happiness always and in all things, regardless of your circumstances.  It is a choice and, as such, is sustainable.  Tell those who you love, that they are loved.  Leave no one out.  Keep drama out of your life, and smile always.  Have no regrets, and look forward, at the end of this life, to the next.

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint. 

I fervently hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion, in an arena of mutual respect, concerning those opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with the United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and, finally, a senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world-renowned, Western Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research.

Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, and wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteered as the lead chaplain at a regional medical center.

Feel free to contact Pastor Tony: tolerantpastor@gmail.com