I do my best writing when I am mowing the yard. Of course, I'm not actually writing but mulling things over in my head to put on paper later. And, this week I had a pretty good column written. But, as I sat down to type, everything went out the window.
That column will be reduced to paper at some time but it was about politics and, this week, I want to talk about things more important than politics and the mess in which we find ourselves in this country. I want to talk about fishing and relationships.
For the last few years, I have had the opportunity to go fishing with some of my old buddies from the legislature. Some of them are still serving -- having gone on to the Senate and some are involved in other aspects of government. And, we still have a lot of things to talk about -- political wise and otherwise.
I look forward every year to our trip. We rent a lodge on the White River in Arkansas and spend a couple of days trout fishing. I really like trout fishing -- in fact, it's the only time I go fishing.
Where we stay is very scenic and there's nothing quite like being on the river watching the fog rise from the water and see a trout flopping on the end of a line. But, no matter how great the fishing is or how beautiful the scenery, that really isn't why I look forward to the trip.
The real reason I look forward to going is that I get to spend time with colleagues who became friends and who I can rely on for anything. I know that if I have a problem, all I have to do is pick up the phone and they will be there as fast as their cars will bring them.
And these aren't the only friends that I have that are like that. I have several that would drop whatever they are doing and be by my side if I called. And that doesn't even take into consideration my family, which is always with me -- in good times and in bad.
All of us get really wrapped around the axle about things in life that just aren't that important. I've been there and still get that way from time to time. I had a lady that worked for me in the Air Force 35 years ago who used to say, "What difference will it make in 100 years?"
And she's right. Very few things we do now will matter in 10 years, 20 years or 100 years. We may think they are important but, in the scheme of life, they really aren't that big a deal.
But, what does matter are the relationships we have and the way we treat people today. History may not remember our accomplishments, but those we call our friends and family will remember and cherish the relationships we have and the time we spend.
Kevin Wilson is a former state representative who was born in Goodman and now lives in Neosho. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
Editorial on 10/10/2019