You Can't Take It With You

Last words attributed to Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple Computer:


I have come to the pinnacle of success in business.
In the eyes of others, my life has been the symbol of success.
However, apart from work, I have little joy. Finally, my wealth is simply a fact to which I am accustomed.
At this time, lying on the hospital bed and remembering all my life, I realize that all the accolades and riches of which I was once so proud, have become insignificant with my imminent death.
In the dark, when I look at green lights, of the equipment for artificial respiration and feel the buzz of their mechanical sounds, I can feel the breath of my approaching death looming over me.
Only now do I understand that once you accumulate enough money for the rest of your life, you have to pursue objectives that are not related to wealth.
It should be something more important:
For example, stories of love, art, dreams of my childhood.
No, stop pursuing wealth, it can only make a person into a twisted being, just like me.
God has made us one way, we can feel the love in the heart of each of us, and not illusions built by fame or money, like I made in my life, I cannot take them with me.
I can only take with me the memories that were strengthened by love.
This is the true wealth that will follow you; will accompany you, he will give strength and light to go ahead.
Love can travel thousands of miles and so life has no limits. Move to where you want to go. Strive to reach the goals you want to achieve. Everything is in your heart and in your hands.
What is the world's most expensive bed? The hospital bed.
You, if you have money, you can hire someone to drive your car, but you cannot hire someone to take your illness that is killing you.
Material things lost can be found. But one thing you can never find when you lose: life.
Whatever stage of life where we are right now, at the end we will have to face the day when the curtain falls.
Please treasure your family love, love for your spouse, love for your friends...
Treat everyone well and stay friendly with your neighbours.

Pitching In

As Seth Godin will tell you, "Pitching in requires a different kind of focus, and the generosity and humility to actually get something done."

It's also called volunteering, civic duty, donating your time.

We have a tremendous group of people pitching in to make our RHS Class of 1977 40th Reunion a reality this coming 22 July at the Oakland, NJ Elks Club. We choose to have a BBQ and concert, Rain or Shine. It seemed like a nice change from the usual hotel environment, and any money left over we'll donate it to The Elks Summer Camp for Children with Special Needs. This is how the Elks describe their work:

Tucked away in the hill of the Ramapo Mountains, Elks Camp Moore offers a fun filled vacation away from home for children with special needs. A week at Elks Camp Moore is a remarkable experience not soon to be forgotten. The primary goal of the camp is to further develop the recreational and social skills of each child. In a relaxed and accepting atmosphere, each camper experiences new adventures, lasting friendships, and opportunities that promote independence and greater self-confidence.

This is not an easy task and the patience it requires is more than many people can muster. Though not the Elks! Tip of the Cap for focusing on what needs to be done and showing us all we can't simply rest on your laurels if we are serious about addressing the needs of our communities.

Album Covers

49 days and counting until our 40th Reunion.

I've been having fun posting the album covers from our youth. Remember when a look through someone's albums could give you insight into the type of person you were with? Albums were precious because they were relatively expensive so care had to be taken before a purchase. The album itself was studiously gone over inside and out. Bands took pride and some fiendish delight in designing their album covers so fans would have fodder to argue about. The music was played until you knew it well and was a barometer for the feelings in the room at the time, whether you were along or entertaining friends. It was a communal experience and nothing like current times where everyone walks around with headphones and nobody knows what each other is listening to. Admittedly, the Top 40 format of our youth left much to be desired, with its incessant playing of the hits over and over. Though at least we could decide together if a hit song had a nice melody or a harmony you felt compelled to sing along to, if only in the privacy of your car or shower.

I do miss those times when everyone knew what was the hit of the moment. Too much dreck today and too many choices. At least for a moment at our reunion I know I will be with people who shared my musical upbringing. One more good reason for attending. Buy your tickets early!

Inventing The Future

Whether we realize it or not, we all are given a multitude of choices and decisions to make. Most important among them is that we are given the opportunity to invent our future everyday. Hope you see a 40th Class Reunion in your future. Hope you are able to capture just for a moment the way you felt when you first saw this picture all those years ago. It might inspire you even as the thought of seeing old high school friends can frighten. What's it matter how hard those days seemed at the time? Reunions are over in a flash. This coming one will be no different. Make sure you give yourself an opportunity to create some new memories.

51 Days Till the RHS Class of 1977 40th Reunion

The countdown continues to our 40th Reunion. We are at 51 days till the big day. We'll have a photo booth where you can add props and have your picture taken with old friends. If anyone can take a picture as cool as Joni Mitchell smoking a cigarette you will be awarded the highest accolade we can find. Please order your tickets early and tell your friends, especially those whose social media habits might not be advanced enough to find us on their own. Thanks!