Better, stronger, thicker

 I have learned that the world around me is basically “good”, and full of people with wisdom and resources to share, They are just waiting for opportunities to do so.  Life has a way of teaching us lessons, through on-the-job training, which allows us to open up and learn, as life unfolds or withdraw and learn nothing.  I am grateful that my parents instilled in me a positive outlook on life, regardless of what exterior forces present.   I grew up in Northern California, near the Lake Tahoe area.  Oft times, there would be forest fires----some were controlled burns by the forest service and other times accidental---- perhaps by a car accident or fireworks.   However, it never ceased to amaze me, that, though it took years to re-grow, the forest would grow back better, stronger and thicker, with each fire.  We all have times in our lives when we feel completely "burned", by tragedy, illness, sorrow, depression, emptiness, failure, employment, finances, or just that we plain don't measure up.........  Then, we have the opportunity to "come back" better, stronger and thicker than ever before.  And, just as the new trees grow and thrive together, we need each other!!  I like to say, "The grass is always greener------after it's been burned!"