If I understand it correctly, if the groundhog comes out of his burrow and sees it’s shadow due to clear skies, it means there will be six more weeks of winter. If it doesn’t see it’s shadow due to cloudy skies, it means there will be an early spring. Unfortunately, I live in Idaho. If there is six more weeks of winter, that is an early spring! You think I’m joking but I have seen it snow on the Fourth of July before.
For this week’s story, I am going to assume you have watched the movie Groundhog Day. If you haven’t, I would highly recommend it. One of my favorite scenes was when the waiter drops some dishes and one of the actor’s yells, “Just put that down anywhere pal!” One time when Shannon and Cassidy were working on homework I went downstairs to bring up a box of Polly Pocket dolls for us to play with. Yes, I am comfortable enough in my manhood to admit I played with dolls! As I reached the top of the stairs, I tripped, and the box fell on the floor sending Polly Pocket dolls everywhere. With no hesitation, Shannon said “Just put that down anywhere pal!” We had a good laugh and that became our catch phrase anytime someone dropped anything. (Usually it was me!)
I enjoyed the comedy in the movie, but I also thought the movie had a great message. When he found out every day started over, he decided to take advantage of the situation. After a while, he decided it wasn’t as fulfilling as he thought it would be. In fact, he actually found it depressing. As he tried to find a way out of his predicament, he started to do more positive things each day. This was how he found his way out of Groundhog Day.
As I look back at this movie and my life, I found a stronger correlation. I realized every day I would do things to make my life better and improve my situation. It wasn’t until I started volunteering at the hospital that my life really started to move forward in a positive way. That lead me to creating the Foundation and some of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had. It has reinforced my bond with my family and friends. It has allowed me to meet some very amazing people. Just like Phil Connors in the movie, until you start to help other people, your situation is not going to change very much. When you put other people’s needs ahead of your own, every aspect of your life becomes better. That is the way you can truly move forward.
I want to thank all of you for your friendship and support. You are all responsible for making my life better. Thanks for reading.
Next week: Super Bowl LIV
P.S. The four seasons of Idaho are: Almost Winter, Winter, Still Winter, Road Construction.