Ash Wednesday & Uncle A's Birthday

I took my pop to the eight o'clock mass this morning for Ash Wednesday. He looked very happy, dressed super-sharp and enjoying visiting with some of his friends. After receiving his ashes, we headed out to the Chinese bakery to buy a birthday cake for my uncle Alfredo (my dad's little brother) who turns 71-years-young today. Uncle Alfredo is staying at my grandmother's house; so both of them were happily surprised to receive us as we sang "Happy Birthday" to my uncle. My grandmother is 103 years young and still kicking. She actually sang "Las Mañanitas" (the Mexican birthday song) to her son with a glow of happiness throughout her face.
I left my dad there to spend some quality time with his mom and brother. Some day I will relate the story of when my grandmother and her sisters fed Pancho Villa and his troops on her family's ranch during the height of the Mexican Revolution.
But, today is the start of Lent for Catholics. Lent is a period of individual reflection whereby we are to focus on three steps: 1. Prayer, 2. Fasting, and 3. Charity. Nice steps, if you can carry them out. Yet, I think we got off to a nice and happy start.
Moreover, my grandmother, my father and, my uncle were very elated this morning. And that makes it all worth the effort.

The Book of Matthew

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4) Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 5) Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. 6) Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 7) Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. 8) Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 9) Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. 10) Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11) Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12) Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you."

George Carlin's Take on Aging

HOW TO STAY YOUNG

1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctor worry about them. That is why you pay him/her.

2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.

3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. " An idle mind is the devil's workshop." And the devil's name is Alzheimer's.

4. Enjoy the simple things.

5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.

6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.

7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge. 8 Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, to the next county, to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is.

10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

Give It Up for Jesus

We had an outstanding birthday celebration for my father yesterday at the house. He turned 81-years-young and several family members (including two of his seven sisters) joined us to eat Carnitas, salsa, birthday cake and to enjoy each other's company. It was great and my father felt very, very happy. It was a good day!