Games are stupid.

I realized on November 16, 2011 just how short life is.  The people we see today may not be here this time next year, or next month, or even tomorrow.  For me, it was 5 months from the time I last saw her healthy (or at least looking healthy, cancer is very deceptive), to the day she was gone.  It was a typical family gathering--Ryan's first birthday--a day that if I could get it back I would have spent every minute I could with her instead of clinging to her every last breath on her final day....The point is that we don't get those moments back, and while life isn't always perfect, it shouldn't be wasted playing stupid games with the people we care about.  Fortunately, in my moment of awakening, my only regret with her was the times I didn't stay longer, get together more, etc....I don't ever want to lose someone I care about and have to regret not letting them know I cared, or regret any action or inaction used to hurt them. 

So, on November 16, 2011, I swore off games.  I've tried to make amends where I could and let sleeping dogs lie where they needed to in the event I couldn't.  I'm still not perfect at this, but I'm doing better than I was. 

The greatest challenge is dealing with those who still find their stupid games appealing against me.  Gloria would have some choice words for those people (and I can hear her telling me where they can go)..... :)