Jack-O-Lanterns

Stokes Jacks-O-Lantern

When I read that there was a comet named Elenin hurling through our solar system and it could reek havoc on our planet, ending life as we know it, I was concerned to say the least. I researched every perspective on this thing. Yes, I’m embarrassed to say, I even prepared a 6-week, grab-and-go supply of food and water – just in case.

Elenin came and went. It entered as a mysterious ball of something, and exited a harmless cloud of dust. (If you’re not familiar with all the drama of the Comet Elenin event that just blew over, Google it. It’s pretty entertaining.) Whether you expected the end or got tired of conspiracy whack-jobs posting their science fiction all over the internet – we can all breath a sigh of relief. We’re still here.

I do, however, disagree with those who say the comet passed through with now effect on Earth. Elenin did have an influence – on me. It changed life as I know it. It helped me refocus my priorities in life and to realize – All we really have is today. The past is there to teach us, but we can’t change it. The Future is there to inspire us, but we can’t touch it either. Today is what’s ours – to have and hold and touch and feel and live. The now is where all our powers of influence are. To create, to love, to help someone in need. To counsel a friend – to call a parent. To write a few paragraphs that someone may read and learn from.

With this fresh life perspective, I made it a point to carve jack-o-lanterns this year. Tammy and I did it our first Halloween together with the kids and their cousins. We had so much fun and made a wonderful memory. We skipped carving jack-o-lanterns the next two Halloweens for some reason. Life was too busy I guess. This year, we picked it back up. What a fun night with my most favorite people on this planet – this safe and present planet, at least for now – the now we should all be making the most of. Happy Halloween from the Stokes Family.