I felt compelled to write about this as it was a sobering event to say the least.  It was an example to me that someone does watch over us.  I thank the Good Lord.

Last week as I was driving to work I was surprised when I came up on a man walking along side the road.  Not exactly along the side, but on the white line and about 3 blocks from the store.  I did not see the guy until I was right up on him as he was wearing a dark grey shirt and black pants.  I swerved and missed him.  It was a scary moment and a close call.  It took several minutes for my heart to stop racing as I pulled into the parking lot at the store.

It was a few minutes later that I heard sirens a block away and saw the blue lights of emergency vehicles blocking traffic.  One of the customers informed me of a bad accident.  It turns out the guy I almost hit was later struck down about 10 minutes later as he tried to cross the street.  Wow!  I'm torn between feeling lucky and sorrow at the loss of life.

As I write, the news is showing a Cheerios commercial of biracial couple that is causing so much controversy.  For the life of me I can't understand why?  I thought we were seen the last vestiges of racism and had moved beyond that.  I guess we still have a way to go and I take my hat off to General Mills for taking a stand to let the ad remain.

Thoughts and prayers are with the victims of the tornadoes in Oklahoma hit not once but twice in the past couple of weeks.  I met and interviewed Tim Samaras, a the tornado chaser who lost his life in one of the storms, many years ago.  He was a true pioneer and we owe him a debt of gratitude as his research helped us understand the storms and how they form.  Through his dedication, hard work and inventiveness weather forecasters were able to increase the warning time from mere minutes to at least a half hour.  That doesn't sound like very much and on the face, it isn't.  But every minute counts and has saved countless lives.  Having grown up in an area where tornadoes were very common I remember the fear at feeling so helpless depending of friends and neighbors calling each other to get information. Thanks Mr. Samaras and R.I.P.

Until next time, take a moment and count your blessings!

Take care,

Kurt