I Coulda Done That!

Our Family get together At Carol's house in Utah while visiting there. Son Jack up front, Son Mark on left behind Reececup! (Sort of a Coincidence, this is near Christmas, Carol was born on Christmas day, therefore the name Carol. Neat huh?)

Yeah, I coulda done that!

Did you ever know anyone who was brilliant, had a brain that was analytical? They probably tested tops and had very few peers’ brain power wise. Did you ever know any of these folks who flat wasted their lives saying, “I coulda done that?”

Not to be too hard on our eldest son, but he fit in that category. His math ability floored me. He could use the modern math or the old world math. The instance I will always remember was in Key West Florida. He was in high school. He and I went to buy the months groceries. You know how long that tape is with the prices on it. We hadn’t driven but a couple blocks when he said, “Dad this bill is ten cents off!”
“Yeah, Son, a dime.”
“But dad, I’ve added these figures three times (Three times in three blocks! Ha! I thought.) What if they are adding ten cents to everyone’s bill, which could be a lot of money in a year’s time.”
“Yeah, son I’ll check it.”
To humor him I took the bill in to work and went to an adding machine. After an hour of running the figures three times (He had done it in his head in less than five minutes.) He was right.

The store did an audit and sure enough “That Register only” was adding some to the total due to a ‘malfunction’, yeah, maybe.

But the point is the kid was smart. Practically straight A’s until the last qtr of hi school and did not graduate. Refused to go to summer school and go to college. Drugs and drinking were more fun. I don’t think He will mind me telling this, he knows it. He is a late bloomer. He now has a responsible position in management. He has headed a group that pioneered a new office, and set it up now operating in the black. He is using his brain.

He coulda been a successful business owner himself, but he is not. Oh, Proud of him? You bet. But most of all Proud he finally truly met his Lord and is using his brain. WE all know what could have happened. He played with fire, got burned, but not destroyed. Love him? You bet. I know what he COULDA DONE! But I am thrilled with what is doing now.

There is a reason I write this. We buried a friend awhile back who never bloomed. Nick spent his entire life saying what he coulda done, and he could have. But did not. He spent most of his life in the bottle, relating formulas, spewing factual statistics but he was broke and in the gutter, homeless much of the time. Yeah, folks loved the guy.

Jack is finding what it is like to be on the hurting end of this problem. He too, has a son, who is a most talented individual. Jack Jr says his son's talent level is off the charts. We all love him, you cannot help it, he's warm, loving and affectionate. He writes symphonies, concertos, creates music that is unbelievable. He is a fantastic musician and singer, but now in his last year or so of college has begun to experiment with drugs and booze I think, and as most users cannot see any negative affect on his work. The thrill of jamming with his buds for hours instead of focusing on his studies. The sensual satisfaction of the ladies loving the music. Basically making excuses for not attending classes and not completing his studies. That is youthful thinking, but out of the real world.

Yeah, we pray that the youngster will see the light. He is very smart maybe he can look around and come alive with the search for learning again. In his earlier college days he was going to be the first of our family with a Doctorate. His professors said his possibilities were unlimited, one of the best talents in years.

We have already cried. We have and are praying. I just cry inside when I hear from anyone, especially when it is the truth say, “I coulda done that!” It is always said when others are winning awards and being admired. They finish their bottle, strike up a cord hit a few notes and say, “But they can’t do that!” Pity of it is he is right They can’t, and the lost wandering individual will not.

Forgive the long entry; I was just feeling bad for two great guys, our son and his son. God loves them both. The man will probably not read this, but if he does, We love you and want the REAL you back!!!

Thanks for coming this way,
Nite Shipslog.
PS:
YOU, make it a great day!

Lord, please keep Your arm around my shoulders and Your hand over my mouth! Amen