Sometimes life is just messy

Sometimes life is just messy

When we were walking back and forth from Deers Leap earlier this week, there were stretches of the trail where the mud was ankle deep. You just had to go with it... To go off the trail would do more damage to the surrounding terrain. And I was struck by how, even though we were having great fun on our hike, the mud was a parable about life. Because....

Sometimes no matter what you do
you are going to be all covered in goo.
Getting into the mud can be so much fun,
whether in a downpour or in bright sun,
but it's the way out that defines how the mud sticks.

I was saddened this week to hear of the passing of Senator Ted Kennedy. Being from Massachusetts, the Kennedy family takes on a different meaning than some other parts of the country. In my high school years, I met the senator several times. From debate society gatherings, to Archdiocese of Boston events, he was even then a living legend in the folk lore of the late 60's in Boston. In 1970, I had the honor of being appointed by the senator for a seat at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. Unfortunately, I did not pass the entrance physical to be a pilot, so I never made the trip out west. But I can still remember the look of pride on the face of my mother when the telegram from Senator Kennedy's office arrived at the house in Arlington notifying me of the appointment.

For some unknown reason, I have had a song by 70's rock band Kansas rattling around in my head for the last few weeks. I'm not sure why; I must have run into it on a local radio station in the car while out of the inn or at the physical therapy office for my shoulder. The refrain is particularly poignant in light of Senator Kennedy's passing. It goes like this:

Carry on my wayward son
There'll be peace when you are done
Lay your weary head to rest
Don't you cry no more.

Where ever you may be, if you find yourself covered in mud...clean yourself up and keep on going!