Interesting

 Last night, I went to see the Fabulous Armadillos at Chanhassen Dinner Theater for a show they called "Acoust-i-dillos 2." The show had many interesting tidbits about the songs.  One I did not know was the song "Everything I Own" by Bread.  It was written by David Gates in 1972.  While I always thought the song was about the loss of a girlfriend or possibly a wife, just last night, I learned it was actually written about David Gates's father.  Many only know the song's cover by Ken Boothe, Rod Stewart, Shirley Bassey, or Boy George.

This greatly impacted Shelley, whose 84-year-old father is aging fast.  Her time with him is getting shorter while she still works to secure a good retirement.  

My father passed away on May 6, 2023, which was before I retired.  While we were estranged, and I would never regain any relationship, I know once he died, that opportunity would not be possible.  I spent much time working and not cherishing the moments with family and friends.  Thinking of the song, it also hit me when I realized that when a friend passes unexpectedly, such as my dear friend Becky Schindler late last year, you no longer have the chance to say anything or do anything.  Life is short!  It emphasized that I am making the right decision by retiring at age 61. 

If you are still getting familiar with the song, the lyrics are listed below.

You sheltered me from harm

Kept me warm, kept me warm

You gave my life to me

Set me free, set me free

The finest years I ever knew

Were all the years I had with you

And I would give anything I own

I'd give up my life, my heart, my home

I would give everything I own

Just to have you back again

You taught me how to love

What it's of, what it's of

You never said too much

But still, you showed the way

And I knew from watching you

Nobody else could ever know

The part of me that can't let go

And I would give anything I own

I'd give up my life, my heart, my home

I would give everything I own

Just to have you back again

Is there someone you know

You're loving them so

But taking them all for granted?

You may lose them one day

Someone takes them away

And they don't hear the words you long to say

I would give anything I own

I'd give up my life, my heart, my home

I would give everything I own

Just to have you back again

Just to touch you once again

I understand one complex question daily: the sensitive scale of balancing time, money, and health.  They are all a balancing act with proportional results.  It is hard to know when the balance is correct, but when combined with health, I ask if it is better to die rich at 72 or broke at 92.  That made the tipping point clear for me!

Carry on, my friends, carry on!