THIRD TIMES A CHARM

               I’m not usually a superstitious person, but yesterday it just happened that third time was a charm.  My husband and I ventured out to do our civic duty and vote in our school districts election.  I thought I was prepared and located the place in advance where we have voted in the past.  After arriving at this location, no voters around, we asked if it was the correct location.  The poll worker checked our driver’s licenses, scanned them into the computers, and they were unable to locate us.  They then called their supervisor to ask for further information.

It happens that our suburb lies in the middle of three counties, which makes it confusing when talking school districts.  Okay, so we then hop back in the car and head to where the poll workers suggested.  Arriving at the second building, there was no one around, no signs, only an empty room.

Now this can’t be that difficult we decide.  At this point, we agree to slow down, get our cell phone out and research using the exact words.  Low and behold, we arrived at the third location which was correct.  Only a couple of items to vote on which took about five minutes.  Thirty minutes to locate polling place and five minutes to vote.

I want to stress to my readers, that no matter what you are searching for, don’t give up.  Keep putting one foot in front of the other.  Sit down and contemplate another angle or route to reach that goal.  I realize that sometimes that is much easier to accomplish than said.  Stay focused and ask for help when you need it.  I am always open to assist where I can.

Life is short.  Returning from our vacation, we were reminded of that.  We witnessed a horrible event on the beach in Mexico.  When we are young, we think we are invincible.  We seem to believe nothing bad can happen to us.  But it did that day for a young twenty-three-year-old man who ignored the red flag warnings displayed by the resort.  A red flag warning indicates there are rough waters and undertows and that you should not swim in the surf - it is dangerous.   We witnessed the Coast Guard Divers dragging his lifeless body from the water to the beach and then covered with a large blue tarp.  He lay there for over two hours while local police and medical personnel notified the family and appropriate agencies to handle his body.  We heard the sobbing of his family as they were escorted back into our building.  Which we felt deep sadness inside.

Later, we were told that he was with a large group of athletes from all over Mexico having a convention at the resort.  He and several other young men made a bet they could swim out to the bowies and back the fastest.  The major problem was they had all been drinking.

I want to remind everyone about vacationing near water this summer.  Please be careful, follow all posted instructions and don’t drink while you’re enjoying boating, jet skiing, and swimming.

Enjoy the rest of April with the cooler temperatures as summer is right around the corner.

All my best,

Julie