I have to stop and reflect. Everything I'm doing in public service is for my sons and grandson. I'm trying to give back after I lost everything and could not function for a few years.
My oldest who is 27 is at an all inclusive resort in Mexico tonight. This is his 3rd time there. Then he will come back home and work a few days. I say a few days because I just found out he will be taking another trip to Vegas. I think he's done with his ski trips for the year.
My middle son who is 26 showed me his new purchase and is going to let me have it to drive in the ASD parade. A black chevy Avalance that has every optional available plus after-market products that gives it a uniqueness and looks like no other truck does. His business life is doing well. Well enough that purchasing gas is not a problem.
My youngest son who is 24 enjoys playing poker. It's recreational fun for him. I can't believe he plays in the WPT. After his first WPT in Vegas I talked with him about it. He just didn't have the cards and was not accustomed to playing under the bright TV lights. What was more fun for him was meeting the players he knew from watching them play on TV. The actual money is not the focus as he will have his good days and bad days.
If you are reading this blog you might perceive these young men just doing what you are doing or perhaps you think of them as rich kids or just plain spoiled. I don't know your thoughts about them just by describing what they are doing. What I can tell you is that the only way that they could go to college was taking out student loans. I simply didn't have enough money. The two youngest are graduates of Wichita State. The oldest is a graduate of going through life.
Let's see if I can sum this up.
The oldest had some bad jobs that were not acceptable. The only way he could find a good job was experiencing the bad ones. When he found his ninch in life he saw a possibility and went for it. Going on all these trips are the result of working hard that are rewards from the company he works for. When he works he works hard. When he plays, he plays.
The middle son is always looking for an opportunity. When he sees a good deal he turns it into a great deal. The truck is a result of good business sense.
The youngest son makes double payments on his loans to keep from paying interest. He despises paying interest and will make double payments on his SUV and school loans. He knows the value of a dollar and takes care of himself financially. It has nothing to do with his gambling. Gambling doesn't pay bills. What he knows is that he has to take risks to win. If he is losing he has to weigh the costs. Does he cut his losses short and get out now or does he continue to put more money in to the pot?
In reading this blog back to myself I see why they have the things they have and do what they do at their young age. I guess I wasn't that bad of a father after all, as long as you don't listen to their mother.
After reflecting I'm sure when they're my age the statement will be:
Everything I'm doing in public service is for my sons and grandson.
I can finally go to sleep knowing life in their 20's is going just fine.
Good night
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I wish I could totally agree with your statement.
At this time my family lives in the two Americas.
My sons have overcome some of the issues we have in America today. Even though they are very unhappy with President Bush they live in the America that continues to strive. I was able to teach them how to use the system to their advantage.
However, I now live in the lesser America. I am on fixed income, have been ruined by the capitalist who disregard morals. These capitalist that I use to work for have no respect for the American worker. They only want to control costs so they can make the most amount of money they possibly can. I am one of the victims who has been sold out by using cheaper labor from India.
I have also taught my sons that there are truly two Americas.
Their lifestyle today is like the rich capitalists. Trips to Mexico, Vegas and Colorado ski trips. Business perks, not always having to be the winner but to know who is going to win.
However, in an instant they may become one of the lower Americans, such as myself. It only takes one accident, one cost controlling change within the corporations they work for to spit them out as garbage and abandon them with no regard for how they helped that company become part of the Corporate Global Economy.
They are living the good life for now because they know they can. They are living in the High America.
They have also seen their father forced to become part of the low America. A reality that could happen to them as well.
So what is my advice?
Prepare for the worst even while times are good. In riding the high wave today be aware that the wave will dissolve the closer it gets to the beach. As the water tries to reach the highest point on the beach it is then swept away in an instant. Be prepared for the bad times.
What was known as capitalists are now monopolists of the Global Economy. They ruin the lives of many, especially in America.