A Life of Bull

Yesterday, I watched the animated movie, Ferdinand. The movie is about a bull named unsurprisingly after the title of the movie.

In this movie, all of the bulls have one goal in mind, to be the greatest fighter so they can go to the arena and defeat the bullfighters. That is, except Ferdinand. He would rather smell the flowers than fight. He is mocked about being different and is constantly reminded by the other bulls that the only thing he should want is to be a great fighter.  

A lot happens and eventually, Ferdinand finds out that no bull ever wins. He tries to warn all of the other bulls that they need to run. Valiente, the toughest and bravest bull of the herd, forces a fight with Ferdinand and has a horn broken off. Because of his broken horn, Valiente ends up at the slaughterhouse. 

When Ferdinand tries to help the stubborn Valiente escape, the following conversation takes place. 

V: Don't you get it? Look at me! I'm already done.

F: Oh, sure. That makes total sense. You're either a fighter or you're meat, right? 

V: That's right. 

F: It doesn't have to be that way. You're more than just a set of horns

You're either a fighter

or you're meat, right?

That's right.

It doesn't

have to be that way.

You're more than just

a set of horns.

 

You're either a fighter

or you're meat, right?

That's right.

It doesn't

have to be that way.

You're more than just

a set of horns.

 

Don't you get it? Look at me!

I'm already done.

Oh, sure.

That makes total sense.

You're either a fighter

or you're meat, right?

That's right.

It doesn't

have to be that way.

You're more than just

a set of horns.

 

Don't you get it? Look at me!

I'm already done.

Oh, sure.

That makes total sense.

You're either a fighter

or you're meat, right?

That's right.

It doesn't

have to be that way.

You're more than just

a set of horns. 

Valiente believed a bull with a broken horn has no destiny other than to fight or become meat because that is what bulls do. His identity was in his horns.

We need to realize that we are not only what we appear to be. Society may tell you what you should be, but only you know who you are. Appearance, ancestry, society, or the location of origin should dictate your destiny. Do not let others tell you what you are. 

People are complicated. They may look tough on the outside but may be very tender-hearted. Appearances can be deceptive. As the saying goes, "Don't judge a book by its cover." There is more than meets the eye. 

Don't get caught in the trap of believing what others think about you. Learn to be you. Some people have trouble being themselves out of fear that they won't be accepted. People often choose to do things that they would naturally not do just because they want to be accepted. Don't accept anything less than being what you are. 

I am a Christian, though others would hardly call me religious. I choose to live the life that God has given me. I do not want to follow others because they seem more spiritual. Neither should you. 

Just be yourself. Do not accept a false destiny because it is what you were taught. Be the real you.  

Carnival and Mardi Gras

Carnival has arrived. The weather has started getting cooler but is still unpredictable. Crawfish is back in season. Parades, marching clubs, and King Cakes will continue until Mardi Gras day, also known a Fat Tuesday. 

Not everyone loves Carnival or Mardi Gras. Many locals plan annual vacations to get away from the craziness, but I am not one of those people. This is my favorite time of the year. 

This weekend, I went to four parades. I love the beautiful artwork on the floats, the marching bands playing music and dancing, the creative costumes, and watching the people all around me. Every parade is a new adventure. Nothing is ever the same. You may see some of the same floats and bands, but the people around you make the biggest difference. 

It is a time to relax. Some people barbecue, some have crawfish boils, some play music, some just hang out with friends. Yesterday, I brought my wife to the parades. She is not a big fan as I am. We ate po’boys, a local favorite sandwich. I had one with roast beef while she enjoyed one with shrimp. We enjoyed some Big Shot sodas, another local staple.

Mardi Gras has a reputation of women exposing themselves for beads. That is something mainly done by tourists on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter, but I choose not to go there at this time of year. In fact, I do not recall seeing this at any parade I have attended in the 40+ years I have attended. Most parades are family friendly. 

I have met remarkable great people at parades. My wife thinks I have the words "Talk to me" written on my forehead that others can see. People I have never met, and not just at parades, start conversations with me. This is one of my favorite parts of Carnival. I enjoy interacting with people that I would never meet on any other occasion. You never know someone until you talk to him or her. It is surprising what you can learn from people by just sitting next to them and saying hello. 

Getting a "good spot" requires getting to the parade route early. Sometimes we sit and wait for a couple of hours. It is a good time to talk to those that are with you, but also to meet new people. 

Watching people is one of my favorite things. There are so many things to see before the parades even arrive. Some people dance to the music someone is playing, some throw footballs, or Frisbees, some are in costume, and some just sit and watch. There is no shortage of entertainment before the parade starts. 

Not everyone can enjoy Mardi Gras or carnival in New Orleans, but we can all take a moment to step back and relax. We have responsibilities, but we also have to take a break, even if for a moment. Life is too short to stay stressed. Enjoy life. Meet new people, Do something new. As we say here, "Laissez le bon temp rouler" meaning, Let the good times roll.

Life Sucks But I Love It

Since a very recent tragedy took place at work, counselors and social workers came and held sessions to help us through tough times. While sitting in my group, my mind began to wander. Of course, I feel for the people involved and their families, but my mind went much further back in time than this past week.

I love people. I may not always know how to show it and many people have thought that I was detached emotionally. I have been at funerals of loved ones when I heard people say, “Did you see Larry cry? I never thought I would see that.” I often wondered how horrible a person I must be if people do not notice I care. However, I do care, and I care very much.

I may hide my true feelings through joking around with others. Bringing laughter to situations regardless of how bad it may be. I believe laughter is the best medicine, though some may not appreciate it at times. Over the years, I have learned when and to whom I can joke without offending others. (I still may lapse judgment here on occasion.)

The tragedy that happened last week made me think about tragic times in my life. Like everyone, I have lost loved ones like my mom (much too early), my grandparents, and many friends. While the loss of my mom left a deep emptiness in my heart to which I have never recovered, what I really felt was the fact that both of her parents had to go through the loss of a child. While I know it happens, no parent should ever have to witness the death of his or her own child.

Other tragic things I have experienced, as others have, is illness that changed my life forever, a hurricane that destroyed all of my material things leaving me homeless, a tornado that hit my new home causing tens of thousands of dollars in damage, an unwanted job change and an unexpected surgery.

Life sure can suck. However, life goes on.

I have a wife that has been true to her wedding vows (richer, poorer, good times and bad). I love her more than she can imagine, but my showing it sometimes fails.  I have two fantastic sons and a daughter in law for which I would do anything. I have a granddaughter that rocks my world and even seeing a picture of her brings a smile to my face and spirit. 

I have a job that I enjoy (two jobs actually) although I work too many hours and see my family far too little.  I have a few good friends, a nicer home than before the tragedies, a church family that I love, a fellowship of ministers to which I am proud to be a part. I am in a better place than I have been in the past. I can now help others where before I struggled to help myself.  

One thing that I know, life continues and I must continue with it. When I am weak, God is still strong. He holds me up. He also has given me all of the good things that I have listed and many more. Therefore, while tragedy continues to fill lives, I will continue to get out of bed and get moving, and I encourage others to do the same.

This is my life. It is not perfect, but I LOVE IT.