They aren't my friends.

Being a care-giver. Forced my hand. Made me seriously consider. Retiring much earlier than I had originally anticipated. Of course, as you all know. Being a fulltime Alzheimer care-giver. Isn’t exactly retirement. Instead, it’s another pursuit. But if one does it for love. Care-giving can become tolerable. It’s not the end of the world. And when it’s all over. One can truly step into retirement. Which I did. And yes, adjusting was relatively easy. Or at least that’s my perspective. Some 21 years later. I’ve gotten on with life. As a true blue retiree. Believe me. It hasn’t been all that bad. In an odd sense, the Alzheimer’s experience, was a blessing in disguise.  Having learned to roll with the proverbial punches. I’ve come out ahead.  With no solid reason to complain. About life. Some people tell me. That I should complain. That I’ve come up short. But they aren’t my friends. --Jim Broede

A confining thought.

Something heinous happens every day. A mass shooting. A political murder. A hate speech. Yes. One example after another. Of life gone awry. Little wonder. That I’m tempted. To live my life in isolation. Hidden from the outside world. In my cocoon. Sheltered. Makes me wonder. If solitary confinement. Would be a blessing. Rather than a punishment. --Jim Broede

My fervent prayer.

I’m fearful. That the American political system. Is spinning. Out of control. And that I am helpless. Unable to do anything about it. My nightmare. The Zombies. The Living Dead. Also known as Republicans. Are leading us. To our inevitable doom.  A dreadful feeling. That the end of the world. Is coming. The pollsters tell me. That there’s a chance. That the Republicans will retain control of the Senate and the House. In the mid-term elections.  That Donald Trump will remain the Supreme Ruler. Of a new Kingdom of Zombies. Our nation’s fate. Lies in the balance. Please. Please, dear god. Come to our rescue. --Jim Broede