This post will make much more sense if you at least read Part 1. But, if you enjoy “living in the dark,” turn on a light and read on:

1. When you are a heart attack survivor, your family suffers.  They now can’t take certain drugs because of my little adventure in 1999.  They have to get a flu shot every year.  Getting health insurance at a lower rate is tricky now.  Changing jobs is out of the question for your spouse due to your health history.  Most people have never heard of my little heart condition and they are constantly having to explain it to doctors. Yeah, doctors.  It’s that rare.  My kids “freak” every time I sneeze.  They know I most likely will revisit 1999 someday.  When one of their 2nd moms/wife’s friends dies, it does them in.  Why?  Because those moms took care of them while I was in the hospital and it reminds them how close they came to losing their own mom/own wife in 1999.
2. I am loved.  I sorta knew this, but now I REALLY know it.  17 messages on your answering machine every day for 2 weeks straight will remind you just how fortunate you are to live in Small Town TX and be in two great families.
3. Life is a learning adventure.  Never stop learning…it’s as good as the wrinkle cream, too.
4. Learn from the next generation.  They are fun, cool, smart, loving, interesting people.  Get to know them.  Respect them.  Love them–they deserve it.
5. Connect with your generation.  They know why you’re as warped as you are.  They know all the lyrics to the stupidest show in history–Gilligan’s Island, and they will help you “Celebrate Good Times” and not laugh when you want to put on your, your, your, your, your boogie shoes and boogie with you.
6. Laughter IS the best medicine.  Marry someone who makes you laugh when you’re ready to cry.  Do stupid stuff like dancing in the shower and smashing confetti eggs on people’s heads.  Better than the wrinkle cream and I’ve grown to loving laugh lines on people. 🙂  They’re sexy, if you ask me.  Yes, I said that.
7. Listen to the older generation.  They’ve been where you are hopefully going and where you are right now.  If they’ve made it to old age, that means they know how to get you to the next phase of your life intact.  Most are amazingly upbeat, despite a wide variety of challenges and repeatedly going to funerals.  And they don’t mind if you drone on about your children….a big plus!
8. Every big, bad, mean, black cloud has a silver lining.  Every. Single. One.  It may take 10 years to find it, but it will show itself eventually.  Hang in there.  Learn what you can learn from it.

Point to Ponder Challenge # 1: Hug a family member and tell them, “I love you.” It may be your last chance to do so. 

Point to Ponder Challenge # 2: Seek out someone from a different generation and spend an hour asking them questions about subjects that aren’t your area of expertise.