What’s Really Important? By Rambling Raven

   I am by nature a worrier. I can’t help it. Needless to say, the state of the country and the economy has me walking around with a sour look on my face. How can you not help but feel a little anxiety? Everywhere you look the decline of the economy is in your face: the newspapers, magazines, headlines for the web’s trendiest search engines, the morning and evening news, as well as on all the talk shows. Even the late night comics mock it. Yep, in the past few months I have heard more about Wall Street and the Dow Jones than in the past ten years. I, like so many Americans, worry about the economy and how far my money will stretch in these harsh economic times. I have looked into my 401k plan and bit nails off contemplating the near future and retirement (although, I am more than 25 years from that—hey, it is never too early to start worrying—right?). Yes, I am convinced that this country is in for hash times and no matter who our next president will be, it is going to take several more to help to undo the mess that we are in now. I have a right to worry. Don’t you?

     I walked into work Monday morning and found out that one of the most beloved volunteers we have ever had, died the night before. “Mama” as she was so lovingly known, was a staple at the job for more than a decade. She was the first person you saw in the morning and the last one you saw in the evening. “Mama” made copies, answered phones, ran errands, helped put on events and decorated the offices for every holiday. She was a shoulder to cry on and knew just what to say to make it all better. Yet, “Mama” had her own worries. She battled cancer on and off for twelve years. She battled incredible pain and fatigue and still, somehow she was always there for us. During the times she went through chemo, she would somehow show up once or twice a week with a scarf wrapped around her head and a weary smile upon her face. To her family, friends and having a purpose in life were all that were important. Happiness for her was being able to go through a year without the pain, the nausea, fatigue, and hair loss. “Mama” didn’t worry about the economy, or even who was going to be the next president. She worried about taking her next breath and being around to see her grandchildren grow. 

      Monday, I learned that the universe has an incredible way of putting things into perspective. Yes, the economy is bad and the country is going through a rough time. But I have my health, family, friends and a purpose for rising every day. And with that I have hope. And hope trumps worrying on any given day. There isn’t much that I can do about the state of the world today. I can acknowledge it and try to prepare myself the best way I can, but I won’t let it interfere with my well-being. I know from “Mama” that there can be more pressing things to worry about.

Rambling Raven

APOOO Books

Rambling Raven is the newest member of the APOOO blogging team and she will be coming to us weekly with her very own column.  Provided below is her bio for your perusal.  Please feel free to leave her LOTS OF COMMENTS to welcome her and let her know what you think of her post.

Who is Raven:  I have been an avid reader since childhood. My love of books opened my mind to people, places and events far beyond my Chicago home. Reading helped to shape my world and my opinion of the events that took place within it. The love of reading also fostered a desire to write. Writing was a career I had hoped to pursue. However, like so many who had dreams deferred, on the well meaning advice of family and teachers I pursued a “safer” career path. I went on and obtained degrees in Psychology and Education. I remained an avid reader and an undercover writer. No matter what demands my career require of me I have always found time to read and write in a journal. Along with reading and journaling, I love to watch the sunset, discuss hot topics with family and friends. I love baseball, horror movies, mysteries, listening to music from every corner of the world and expressing my view of the latest books with the women of APOOO.

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