Day 11

Day 11: Real Time
Day 1: 21 day complaint free jounry


My bracelet finally arrived in the mail during this past week when I was distracted with my dad’s passing.

Actually, I ordered ten bracelets and have several folks who asked for one when they heard about my own 21-day journey to become complaint-free.

I hope they realize what they’re in for. Because I wasn’t.

Yesterday was hard. I spoke at my dad’s funeral, and that was one of the most difficult things I have ever done. It’s not the speaking in public thing that was daunting for me. After all, that’s what I do for a living.

It was standing in front of people I know, stripped emotionally bare. That’s not something I have ever done, and it was humbling. But, my dad deserved to have people who loved him stand up for his particular brand of quiet devotion.

Was I complaint-free, though, as I vowed to be?

Unfortunately not. But do you know what I complained about, before I even realized I had done it?

In the midst of the significance of this event, I was kvetching about details that didn’t matter. At one point on the way to the cemetery, I even heard myself utter condemnations about city government in our town.

How petty. How unimportant. Shallow.

Human. But I can do better. We all can.



In honor of my father this Memorial Day weekend, a Navy veteran of 23 years, as well as those dear to you, let’s remember all those who have served our country, willingly and with valor.

Thanks, Daddy.