“When storm clouds gather round you

Andd heavy rains descend
Just remember that death is not the end
And there’s no one there to comfort you
With a helpin’ hand to lend
Just remember that death is not the end
Not the end, not the end
Just remember that death is not the end “ (Dylan)

Heartfelt condolences to the extended Nolan family on the passing of Maureen....it’s hard not to question Gods plan when someone so young, the mother of a child that needs her more than most; is taken.......but believing is what we do......if it weren’t so hard then everyone would do it......grief and anger are normal and healthy reactions, just don’t loose faith that somewhere down the path this will all make sense.

“Oh, the tree of life is growing
Where the spirit never dies
And the bright light of salvation shines
In dark and empty skies”

If you ever feel sorrow for the deeds you might’ve done

“With no hope for tomorrow in the setting of the sun
And the ocean is howling for the things that might have been” ( P.Rowan)

Well maybe not that dramatic but yesterday was a day of regret for me, maybe it was the anniversary of the start of my Navy career and too much reflecting and dwelling on mistakes I have made since , but I was down in the dumps and questioning myself as to why I bother....why should I care when it seems know one else does .....and then in the evening mail I received a card, I will keep the details private for now but it was a note of Thanks, a note of encouragement and a generous offer with regards to Sweater Nite 22.....it was a reminder that some people do care and someone in particular cared a great deal about Sweater Nite .....it lifted me up that’s for sure and I will keep that card on my nite stand to remind on the days where my efforts seem futile, that they are not....and I just have to keep plugging away....as we fly through our 50’s it seems harder than ever to get together for a few beers like we used to....take every opportunity, enjoy them all because tomorrow is already in the rear view, we can’t get that one back to do over....not sure if the senders of the card read the blog, but I will be reaching out to them directly to let them know how much I needed that.............” that last good morning sunshine will be the brightest you’ve ever seen “

Going where the water

tastes like wine...........
Monday morning June 10th  “1985”......34 years ago right about now..... I made the longest trek of my life from 554 76 th street to MEPS ( military entrance processing station) on 86th and 7th.....the four years that ensued were life changing and insane....thanks to Steve Mac, Donnie Hoff and Johnny “who shot jr” Rhine for ensuring I didn’t get lost along the walk.

What is a Man , Deep down inside ?

What a Raging Beast with nothing to hide ( Lesh/Monk)

what can be said about this day that has not been said before....on this somber 75th anniversary of the greatest battle the world has ever seen....certainly the most significant...….in short....after 2,000 plus years on the planet....this was probably Mans Finest Moment...……..Men giving their young lives so that evil could be stopped and others could be free...….in a fractured , broken, modern world of petty wars and insignificant outrage, June 6th 1944 can not spoken about enough....lets find a few minutes to raise a glass and say a prayer of THANKS for ALL the men of the World that played a role that day....

The longest day nears

as we approach the 75th Anniversary of the D-Day invasion, I thought I would share some quotes attributed to General George S. Patton.
Better to fight for something than live For nothing.........
“The test of success is not what you do when you are on top. Success is how high you bounce when you hit the bottom.”...........”No good decision was ever made in a swivel chair......and my personal favorite....”

A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed at some indefinite time in the future.”