I wish there was a dollar in my pocket for every time I asked myself the question: “Do I really care?”

I’m quite sure you have asked yourself the same question on your journey through life. Do I really care if I graduate from high school or college? What’s in it for me to vote — it’s just one vote. Who cares? Do I really care about the occupation/profession I choose or should I just naively take the easiest one? Do I really care about those long not seen people from the past? Do I really care if the wind blows since I have no control over such matters?

Well now, that just might be the issue — control. During those growing up years, there was always someone to direct or catch us, so wouldn’t they always be there for us?

We all know the answer to that last question. No, that “someone” wouldn’t always be with you as life marches on. Therefore, we must care about matters.

Do I care about the direction our country is headed with this current federal administration? Yes! As someone who knows something about the history of the world and our country, I am very concerned for our democracy and about world peace. I care about the peaceful future for all of our families. I care that everyone is treated fairly according to the laws of our nation. That’s when activism becomes important. We must stand up for our country and vote to maintain it.

Do I really care about preserving our local/state and national parks? Yes, absolutely! Those areas are precious to our history, our mental well being and our national sense of pride. Our parks deserve our respect. So, yes! I really care about those places of respite, beauty and peace.

Do I care if wine continues to be produced? So what if we couldn’t pour a glass of our favorite wine? Wouldn’t life go on? What if beer was no longer available, or whiskey? Would the world stop rotating? Of course not, but those beverages mean a lot to us. They help bring people together. They provide us with many tasting adventures and expand our view of the world. I really care about those beverages.

Speaking of the world, is it necessary for humans to go to the moon? Couldn’t the money be better spent here on earth?

Let me ask you this question: “Did you see the picture the recent astronauts took of the earth setting behind the moon?” It was remarkably beautiful and an eye-opener. We are such a small part of the universe. Traveling to the moon opens our perspective of the universe and offers some positive thoughts about the future for us humans.

Do I really care if everyone has a future? Yes, I care! As I am sure you care, too!

May we always care for each other, care for what makes us happy and care for the earth.

As always, eat and drink in moderation, but laugh with reckless abandon!

Cheers!