Hi Gordon,

> Having taken a retrospective look at my
> life, I can clearly identify the Moutains of
> JOY and the Valleys of Despair...

> something strange (or not) about those
> times.

> My peaks seemed to be when I was involved
> with HELPING others...

> the depths were when I was focused on ME.

> I'm sure I'm not alone on this, so one of my
> SOLUTIONS for myself is to get involved with
> others and GIVE what I can to help out.

Gordon, thanks for sharing those thoughts....

It reminded me of a song I was just listening to....

When I was a kid, my parents had an album by the Kingston Trio. They were quite popular in the late 50s and early 60s. Anyway, when I was a kid, that album by the Kingston Trio was one of my favorites.

Recently, I've been listening to more music by the Kingston Trio.... They sure don't sound like most music today. How many top bands nowadays play banjos?

But it's great music.... I still love it.

One of their songs is "Desert Pete".... It's about a man who's traveling and thirsty. He needs water, because the traveling has been hard. Then he comes upon a water pump, and he can't believe his luck.

When he nears the pump, he sees a note.

That note says....

"This pump is old, but she works. So give'er a try.
I put a new sucker washer in 'er. You may find the leather dry.

You'll have to prime the pump, work that handle like there's a fire.
Under the rock you'll find some water left there in a bitter's jar.

Now there's just enough to prime it with, so don't you go drinkin' first.
Just pour it in and pump like mad and, buddy, you'll quench your thirst.

You've got to prime the pump. You must have faith and believe.
You've got to give of yourself before you're worthy to receive.

Drink all the water you can hold. Wash your face to your feet.
Leave the bottle full for others. Thank you kindly, Desert Pete."

That's what life is about.... You've got to give of yourself before you're worthy to receive. Just like priming a water pump -- thanks to Desert Pete!

- Dien