An Unexpected Gift

I will probably most remember Gerald Ford as the President who gave me a 4-day weekend. The timing of his death was most fortunate for all of us Federal workers who now have the next 4 days off.

I remember President Ford as a nice guy, who inherited the Presidency. I can’t think of a thing of great note that he did while in office. He kept his nose clean and didn’t speed up our already rising rate of inflation. Although he couldn’t walk and chew gum at the same time, he comes off as basically a nice guy who lived a very full life. We probably actually remember more about his wife as a person because of her admission to addiction.

As I look ahead at 4 days of freedom, I’m already starting to see the time just slip away as it seems most often to do. I start out with great plans – some cleaning projects, walking the dogs, practicing the piano, maybe a movie, cooking some typical New Year’s food (but definitely not black eyed peas and hog jowl). You know, best laid plans.

Lately I have reached the end of so many weekends saying if I had just one more day, I could maybe have accomplished something.

Well, I have it – one more day, that is. We’ll see if it actually makes a difference.

In any event, thank you President Ford for dying when you did so as to give us another day of our own. May you rest in peace.