I could not put this book down. So many twists. Just when I thought I had everything figured out I realized that I knew nothing. I will re-read this one again and again. Keith Rommel really took the human mind and picked it apart. ~ Brenalyn ~ via Amazon.com_

Those are the words I often heard from my mother when I was growing up in the mid to late 70's on Long Island, New York. Whether it was the anticipation of Santa coming to leave presents under the tree (every year I did get a lump of coal in my stocking), or if it was just to get bigger like the other kids or even my brother, I always "couldn't wait".
I was a small kid that lived in a quiet neighborhood with a lot of childhood friends and tons of great memories. My mother is a soft, loving woman that always woke early in the morning to huddle around her cup of coffee and listen to the small radio only inches away from her, turned down really low as not to disturb anyone. I suppose it was the only peace and quiet she ever had until all five of her children grew and moved out. I even came back once or twice and her and my dad welcomed me with open arms.

My father was a career military man, and since he passed away a little over two years ago, I have been reflecting on my own mortality and how fast time seems to go. The echoes of my mother's words are a constant reminder. My children are growing fast, old friends growing older, and I am wondering how I can slow this all down, just to step off this ride so I can take it all in before it passes me by.

But I have a demanding job that is very fast paced, the need to do my fatherly duties and to be involved with my family, and of course somewhere in between this, allow myself to unwind and write.  It's quite a balancing act, and all of a sudden I looked up from my little world and thought, "Wow, where did the time go?"

And now as I sit here and contemplate what this all means to me, the one thing I understand is what my mother meant by that. Life is fast and live in the now. Take a moment, step back, and look at the people that surround you and enjoy them. Be kind to others, even if they're grumpy with you because it may not be you, but what news they might have received. Have a very Merry Christmas, and remember, you can wait because there are things you need to do now.