The Whole World would be Different

Of late, I’ve thought that of what I've accomplished, that it hasn't been enough. I know that both Pam and I have done out best most of the time. There is a train of thought I repeatedly have had lately and it begins with . . .

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. . . “The Whole World would be different if . . .”

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I know most of the choices and decisions we make have no impact on the World. But, what if the family had remained in Yucaipa? What if we didn’t move to Redlands? (This blog would be probably be YucaipaCostales.) I am convinced that the Whole World would be different.

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The friends that out children made in Redlands and mostly the educational opportunities that Redlands offered would be quite different than those if we had made the choice not to change and had some how remained in Yucaipa. So looking back, I am convinced that the Whole World would be different. Would Sean have gone to Berkeley? Would Brianna have played softball and made her current friends? And in those difficult times with Ryan, would we have had as supportive and understanding Principals as Mr. O’Neill or Mr. Cover?

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Sean thinks that he could have probably been the Valedictorian at Yucaipa High School. And I believe this is no hollow boast on Sean’s part. In Yucaipa, Sean would have been a Big Fish in a Small Pond. Instead in Redlands, Sean became a Smaller Fish in a Bigger Pond at REV (Redlands East Valley the high school Sean graduated from).

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It is hard to accept change. And we are sometimes thrown into situations that we have no control. But, there is some hidden purpose. And hopefully some Divine hand gently shepherding us through the thickets, thorns, and turmoil. Though we don’t live a great area or in a great apartment, we have remained safe and secure. Pam has been the glue that has kept us all together.

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I am so thankful that Pam has been there for all us. Pam has been more than mother, wife, or friend. She is a great listener, organizer, and her instincts and insights are sometimes uncanny. I know I’m not one for celebrating little things or buying surprising little gifts. But, I think, read, and write a great deal. And it’s about time to write to and about my beloved wife Pam.

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We don’t always say it or show it. But, the kids, myself, and Opal (woof) love and adore you. Without you we would be lost. Thank you for finding me and sharing our mostly happy live. The Whole World may have been different if . . . I’d never have met you. Your silly and compulsive husband Jerry. ;-)

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Happy Valentine’s Day

(revised 2007)