You can never predict the future with certainty. Too many things can intervene.

 

Life has its ups and downs. You live for today, and wonder about . . .

 

 

The Day After

 

“Yes, I can do that. I’ll get to it the first thing Monday morning.”

I hung up the phone and breathed a sigh of relief.

It looked like I’d have a weekend free of work responsibilities.

I cleared my desk and stared out the window.

Beautiful clouds draped the horizon.

 

I thought about what tomorrow might bring.

When I awoke the next day, everything seemed as it should be, nothing unusual.

Breakfast was casual, the weather was fine.

It appeared that an ordinary Saturday lay ahead—

No special projects to do, calls to be made, or people to see.

 

I felt blessed, as I thought about relaxing and enjoying my new found freedom.

Then the phone rang. I picked it up off the kitchen table and said, “Hello.”

At first nobody responded, but then . . .

“You must listen to me,” a voice demanded.

“Who are you?” I asked, somewhat confused.

 

“I am the answer to your prayers, the designer of your future.”

“What does that mean?” I queried.

“You are mine, and you must do as I say.”

“I refuse to continue this conversation, unless you tell me who you are.”

And then everything went dark.

 

“You’re his savior, doctor,” a nurse in blue scrubs sung out.

“I just did my job. Caught the brain aneurysm just in time.”

“If it had burst, we would have lost him,” she said, her voice quivering.

“Yes, he was lucky. For now he has a future.”

And the day after glowed with promise.

 

 

Copyright © 2025 Alan Lowe. All rights reserved.

We fall in love with our home and the neighbors who become our friends. But time has a way of introducing change into our lives.

 

Nothing remains the same forever. This can happen . . .

 

 

On The Street Where We Live—A Dream Reborn

 

I have often walked down our street before,
And my path has always filled with neighbors I adore.
Each time my emotions soar,
As enchantment pours out of every door.
I feel at peace, knowing I'm on the street where we live.

Oh, the towering feeling just to know my neighbors are near.

The overpowering feeling that any second they might appear.

And when they do, they stop and share their stories with me.
There's nowhere else on earth I’d rather be in our senior community.
I feel at peace, knowing I'm on the street where we live.

 

Let time go by, it doesn’t bother me.
I won't care, for I have friends to see.

If things can just remain the same for all eternity,

This would be the only place I’d ever want to be.

I feel at peace, knowing I'm on the street where we live.

 

However, things do not remain the same, for my street has changed dramatically,

And my wonderful dream has become history.

Longtime neighbors and friends moved closer to family or to the heavens above.

And it became difficult to deal with the loss of neighborly love.

I no longer feel at peace on the street where we live.

 

But then, new neighbors moved in and befriended me.

They embraced me in ways I hadn’t expected to see.

As doors opened to a new time—one of glee.

My street again became the only place I’d ever want to be.

I feel at peace, knowing I'm on the street where we live.

 

 

Copyright © 2024 Alan Lowe. All rights reserved.

Fight for what you want. For if you don’t, it can’t happen.

 

Remember there is only one way to succeed. You must . . .

 

 

Stand Up Strong

 

When the road narrows and you can’t get through,

Face the challenge with courage and do what you need to do.

Climb life’s stairs, one step at a time, gripping the handrail,

So you overcome each obstacle encountered and prevail.

 

Sometimes you’ll stumble, sometimes you’ll fall,

But get back up, so you don’t lose it all.

With friends in your corner, you’ll face the storm,

Together you’re stronger, together you're warm.

 

Dream of a future, with bright stars in the sky,

With the wings of a dove, over open pastures fly.

Breezes blow, taking you on a journey of exploration,

Giving you an opportunity for discovery and gathering of information.

 

Believe there are no barriers, big or small,

With courage in your heart, you can conquer them all.

Life can be a large puzzle, but you will find your place,

With hope and determination, keep up the pace.

 

Through valleys of shadows, you’ll do what is right,

For every dark moment, you’ll seek out the light.

With laughter and or tears, you’ll compose your own song,

Even in a complex, confusing world, you’ll know where you belong.

 

Each setback is a chance to reflect and review,

With strength and your spirit, there's nothing you can't do.

The journey meanders, but you’ll do what is right,

On the horizon ahead, you’ll keep your goal in sight.

 

So stand up strong and march toward success.

Dreams will come true and diminish your stress.

You will be blessed for the effort you made to make this be.

You will be rewarded for reaching new heights, as all can see.  

 

 

Copyright © 2025 Alan Lowe. All rights reserved.

Conversations can be confusing. Sometimes they seem to be going nowhere.

 

You try to get to the point, but it appears to be elusive. You wonder . . .

 

 

What’s This All About?

 

“Didn’t you hear me?”

“What?”

“I asked you a question.”

“About what?”

“Not about what?”

“Then what?”

“Is that all you think about is what?”

“What do you want me to say?”

“If you want something, You have to say it.”

“All right, but I don’t know what.”

“Oh, no! We’re back where we started.”

“Where?”

“Let’s not go there.”

“Why?”

“Oh come on, you haven’t answered my question.”

“When would you like me to?”

“You’re impossible.”

“Me, impossible?”

“Who are you?”

“How did this become about me?”

“What do you want me to say?”

“Here we go again with what.”

“Well, what do you want from a nine-year-old?”

“But I’m only eight.”

“So, what do you want me to do about it?”

 

 

Copyright © 2025 Alan Lowe. All rights reserved.

The past, the present, the future—let them mold your life. Dance, sing, and play—accomplish what you set out to do.

 

Wish for a bright day and dream of where you’ll be, but . . .

 

 

Never Lose Your Place

 

We can never lose our place.

Some do and lose their way, as well.

Others stay put, saving their place.

But they may end up going nowhere.

Knowing your place is important.

It may be the starting point for a great adventure.

But don’t stay put, for you can lose a golden opportunity.

Know where you began, and find your way forward.

 

Sometimes you put off finding a new way.

It may be difficult to take a chance.

However, this can be costly.

You have to turn the page in life and move on.

 

Not losing your place can be more mental than physical.

Remember what you’ve built.

It is the foundation on which to grow.

It is the basis for considering new paths.

 

Travel, explore, and meet others along the way.

Walk and run, take fantastic journeys and dream.

Climb mountains, fly to the stars, and be who you are.

Climb mountains, fly to the stars, and be who you want to be.

 

The place you began will never be lost.

The place you are in may not be your place to stay.

The place you will be may be your realization of dreams.

Wherever you are, never lose your place.

 

 

Copyright © 2025 Alan Lowe. All rights reserved.

Crazy things happen in life. How might these be explained? You may need help in finding the answers.

 

The world can become dark before the light shines again and illuminates the direction in which you must go. But a time comes when you know . . .

 

 

I Found My Way

 

     The clouds blanketed the sky. These fluffy white creatures flowed gently through the air. I stared in awe. Then I heard screaming coming from behind me.

     “Jacob, what are you doing standing on the front lawn in your underwear?”

     “Huh? Front lawn? Underwear? Not me.”

     “Well, look down, Your socks are soaking wet from the dew on the grass. And you’re not wearing pants.”

     “But I’m going for a walk.”

     “You’re what?”

     “A walk, just around the block.”

     “An almost naked person strolling through the neighborhood. Someone’s going to call the police.”

     “For what? I’m not allowed to walk anymore?”

     “Not when you’re undressed!”

     This didn’t make any sense to me. It was a beautiful day. Blue skies everywhere. No sign of the rain that flooded the streets the past week. I stepped off the lawn onto the driveway. I felt invigorated. It was a new day and I was a new person.

     I pranced down the street. Life was great. Then a car pulled over to the curb and its window rolled down.

     “Hey, Jacob, where’re you going?” a male voice echoed in my ears.

     I ignored it and continued walking.

     “Jacob, it’s me, Eddie,” the voice blurted.

     I smiled, but said nothing. I was too preoccupied to get involved with a passerby.

     “Jacob, you’re not dressed,” the voice shouted. “Get in the car and I’ll take you home.”

     Without turning my head, I replied, “My mother told me never to speak to strangers—never!”

     “But I’m not a stranger. I’m your neighbor, Eddie, from down the block.”

     I didn’t pay any attention. His words flowed through the air as if being pulled by an airplane. And I danced toward the corner. As I turned onto Heavenly Valley Lane, an elderly woman peered at me in dismay.

     “Are you lost?” she asked.

     “No. I’m found.”

     “Found? What are you talking about?”

     “Why do you want to know?”

     “Because it appears you need help.”

     “Help? How did you come to that conclusion?”

     “Well, you’re not fully dressed.”

     “How can you say that?”

     “You’re not wearing pants.”

     “Yes, I am.” I smiled and wiggled my butt.

     “But those are underpants. You shouldn’t be out and about like that.”

     “You’re not my mother, so keep your opinions to yourself.”

     “Where do you live?”

     “That’s none of your business.”

     “I’m just trying to help you.”

     “I don’t need your help,” I stated emphatically, stuck my nose in the air, and left her standing there bewildered.

     A slight wind blew through my hair. I was on a mission and nobody was going to prevent me from completing it.

     “You are on the right track,” a melodious female voice chanted.

     But I had no clue where it was coming from or what she was talking about. “Track, what are you saying?” I inquired. But there was no response.

     Then I heard a siren in the distance. Did someone call the police? Maybe I needed to go home, I thought.

     I started to turn around, but before I could, I heard the comforting, soft woman’s voice again. “Remember, you’re on a mission—one you must complete.”

     Stunned, I believed she must be right. It was what I needed to do, for it would change my life.

     As I plodded down the street, a car pulled over to the curb. A lady yelled, “Jacob, I thought you were lost. Now get in the car. We have to go home.”

     I started to say something, but the sound of the siren got louder. I’ve got to get out of here, I believed. But then an ambulance raced by and I knew I wasn’t going to be arrested.

     Not looking back at the car, I started to run. As the day wore on, it became chilly and my naked legs began to shake. Going home was an option, but I knew, in my heart, it was not the appropriate choice.

     “Keep going, you’re almost there. Your mission will be fulfilled,” the mysterious, female voice said in a way that empowered me.

     “I am?” I asked.

     “Yes, you are?”

     “But how will I know?”

     “Relax. Take a deep breath. Let it out slowly. The picture will become clear.”

     “Picture? What picture?”

     “You’ll see.”

     I knew I had to listen to her. She would make everything right. And my mission would be complete. But things don’t always go as you want them to, for the woman, my savior, screamed, “Get out of here. Leave me alone!”

     “Why are you yelling at me?” I asked. It made me feel quite uncomfortable. 

     She didn’t answer. But then I was driven to the edge of a cliff, the fall from which I knew I might not survive.

     “Don’t do it!” my protector demanded. “You’ll regret it, if you do.”

     “Okay, I won’t,” I whimpered.

     “Not you, Jacob. Her!”

     The loudness of my guardian’s voice shook me out of the darkness of the hypnotic trance I was in. A masked creature held a gun to my psychiatrist’s head and was about to pull the trigger.

     She mumbled, “You’re the reason my husband left me. You ruined my life and you deserve to lose yours.”

     “But I’m just his therapist, nothing more.”

     Without thinking, I jumped up off the couch and wrestled the gun away from the intruder—my wife. She fell back and hit her head on the end table.

     “Thank you, Jacob. You saved my life and yours,” Dr. Marie murmured, with a sigh of relief.

     I stood speechless. But with my mission accomplished, I knew I’d found my way.

    

 

Copyright © 2025 Alan Lowe. All rights reserved.

You make a life-changing decision. However, it needs to be approved.

 

You approach the person with the power to make it happen. But you discover . . .

 

 

There’s Trouble In Paradise

 

     There comes a time in your life when you have to make a major decision. Your wife looks at you, as you exit your office in the rear of the house, and says, somewhat frustrated, “This is the third year in a row I will be asking this question. Each time before, you’ve said, ‘No.’ So, for the last time, are you retiring? We need to move on to the next stage of our life.”

     With a smirk on my face and my retirement letter in hand, I replied, “Yes.”

     “That’s fantastic. Amazing!” Sarah screeched. “I’ve got to call your mother and post it on Facebook.”

     “You don’t have to do anything. Just keep everything under wraps until I tell my boss, tomorrow.”

     “I . . . don’t know if I can do that.”

     “Well, for once, try.”

     Tomorrow couldn’t come soon enough. It was a beautiful day, in the middle of March. A slight wind blew, as I exited my office on the Paradise Valley College campus. I loved my job as a college administrator, but the hours and daily stress were starting to get to me. I believed the timing was right to retire and move on.

     As I went into the building next door, my stomach became queasy. I walked slowly toward my boss’s office and entered the reception area, but Darla, her secretary, wasn’t at her desk. So I headed toward my boss’s door. As I did, I thought, How would she, the college president react? Would she accept my decision to retire? Did she have a choice?

     I knocked on the door. A pleasant voice chanted, “Please come in.”

     A bit nervous, I opened it. Vicky was sitting at her desk, her head buried in a document she was reading. Not wanting to frighten her, I murmured, “Vicky, it’s me, Aaron.”

     She lifted her head and uttered, “Aaron, you look a bit uneasy. Is anything wrong?”

     “Well, I have something to tell you.” I paused and said nothing.

     “Okay, I’m waiting.”

     I began to shake.

     “Are you all right?” she asked.

     “It depends on how you react to what I have to say.”

     “Just spit it out already. I can handle anything you want to share with me.”

     “Anything?”

     “Yes.”

     I leaned over and placed the envelope with my retirement letter in it on the desk in front of her. Taking a few steps back, I said, “It’s all yours now.”

     “This looks rather ominous. Should I call Darla in to witness the grand opening? I believe I heard her come back to her desk.”

     Stuttering, I said, “Uh, I . . . I don’t think that’s necessary.”

     She picked up the letter, but didn’t open it. “Why don’t you just tell me what it says—get to the point.”

     Frozen in place, my lips moved, but nothing came out. She didn’t react. Sucking in my gut, I blurted, “It’s my retirement letter.”

     “Well, I can’t accept it.” She handed it back to me.

     Looking bewildered, I stated, “But you have to.”

     “I have to? I’m the boss. You have to do what I want you to do. Not the other way around. I can’t get my job done without you. Aside from your regular job as my Vice President, you’re my editor of reports and documents the other administrators submit—the only person besides myself I trust to do this. And I’m not doing it.”

     “Uh, I . . .”

     “That’s a very big compliment. And you know I don’t give those very often.”

     “Thank you, but . . .”

     “No buts.”

     “You can’t retire until I do.”

     “But . . . your four years younger than me.”

     “So?”

     I was miffed. Not knowing what to do, I tossed the letter back on her desk. “This is over. You’ve got it. So act on it. I’m retiring in June.”

     “I don’t agree, but I guess I have to accept it,” she stated in a way that made me even more uncomfortable.

     However, I breathed a sigh of relief, turned, and left her office. Retirement was my future.

     Doing this wasn’t easy. But I guess I should be feeling good about her not wanting me to retire. With a smug look on my face, I felt important—someone who’d helped her do her job and wouldn’t be forgotten.

     A week passed. I didn’t share my great news with anybody. I would do that after the Board of Trustees approved my retirement at the Board meeting next Tuesday.     

     Sitting at my desk thinking about my future as a retiree, I knew I’d made the right decision. Then the phone on my desk rang. “Hello, this is Aaron Loch.”

     “Aaron, President Jansen is here to see you,” my secretary, Lois, announced.

     “Okay, send her in.”

     The door opened and Vicky strutted in carrying an envelope in her hand. She looked me in the eye and stated, “Aaron, I can’t accept your retirement letter.”

     “Oh, no! Not this again. You can’t do this. If I can’t retire, then I quit.”

     “Well, I’m not going to let you do that. It’ll affect your pension. And it isn’t your retirement I want to stop. It’s the letter.”

     “Why? What about the letter?”

     “You’re the best VP I ever had. And your ability to edit anything and everything I asked you to review has made you a legend with the Board.”

     “So, that sounds great. But what does that have to do with my letter?”

     “I can’t give it to the Board.”

     “Vicky, stop messing with me.”

     “I’m not.”

     “Then what?”

     “I don’t want to embarrass you. I want you to leave with a stellar reputation.”

     “So, just give them the letter and sing my praises.”

     “I can’t.”

     “Why not?”

     “It has two spelling errors in it.”

 

 

Copyright © 2025 Alan Lowe. All rights reserved.

Leaders can be self-absorbed. They believe they make the rules.

 

However, there may come a time when this no longer works. And this change will be . . .

 

 

For All Eternity

 

“What is your name, sir? It is important I know.”

“It’s none of your business. Why would I want to tell you?”

“It is my job. I must make sure that all who enter are meant to be here.”

“I’m meant to be wherever I want to be. I’m one of the privileged few.”

 

“Please show me some identification—your driver’s license or other photo ID.”

“Why should I? You’re looking me straight in the eye. I’m not a mystery.”

“I need to be certain you are the right person to go beyond this point.”

“I’m more than the right person. I’m a maker of history.”

 

“But everyone who enters is just that, so what makes you unique?”

“I’m the leader of the pack, a man to be followed down the road of life.

I’ve paved the way for others who have the desire to succeed.

They cherish my leadership, for I help them avoid strife.”

 

“But you are entering the domain of love, and doing it alone.”

“I do nothing on my own. Others will soon fall in line behind me.”

“I must inform you, you are no longer the first in line—the chosen one.

You are a follower of the Lord, and will be such for all eternity.”

 

 

Copyright © 2024 Alan Lowe. All rights reserved. 

Relationships may fall apart. When they do, we want to make amends for what we did.

 

But how can we do this? We cherish the thought of a new bond between . . .

 

 

You And Me

 

It was the middle of the week, the halfway point—a day to remember.

The leaves were starting to fall from the trees in mid-September.

 

I had a dream and hoped it would come true.

I had a dream and it was all about me and you.

 

I wondered why you hadn’t returned my phone call.

I needed to tell you the truth about what happened that day in the hall.

 

It wasn’t my intent to do what I did and embarrass you.

It just happened, and, yes, it was unkind and also untrue.

 

I stared out the window and thought about what my next steps should be.

Life without you was discouraging, but I had no idea how to change history.

 

What I did was wrong and I’d like to take it all back.

It is my desire to explain why and get our lives together back on track.

 

The world is not the same without your hand in mine.

I wish to see the clouds fade and again see the sun shine.

 

Will it ever happen? How can I make it be?

Will it ever happen—a future of you with me?

 

 

Copyright © 2024 Alan Lowe. All rights reserved.

Is it real or just a dream? Life can be confusing.

 

Questions drift through your mind. Answers are hard to find. You wonder if you can awaken from . . .

 

 

The Dream

 

     I stood at the stove in our home on Marvelous Lane, as Nancy entered the kitchen. She looked at me and smirked.

     “You seem to have something on your mind,” she murmured.

     “I had a weird dream last night,” I said, as I poured a cup of morning tea. I cherished the tea, as it was a cold autumn day and I was shivering.

     “What was it about, Tony?” she asked, with a lilt in her voice.

     “I don’t know if you can handle it if I tell you.”

     “Try me.”

     I hesitated before responding. “Are you sure you’re up to hearing this?”

     “If you keep stalling, I won’t be, because it’ll be bedtime.”

     “Okay, sit down.”

     She pulled out a chair at the kitchen table and collapsed into it. “All right, I’m seated. Are you going to join me?” she asked, as she stared at me, wondering what this was all about.

     With my cup of tea in hand, I shuffled over to the table and sat down across from her. I remained speechless.

     “Well, are you going to say anything?” she requested.

     “I’m not sure how to start,” I muttered.

     “I presume from the beginning. Wouldn’t you?”

     “But there was no beginning.”

     “What does that mean?”

     “I’m not sure I can tell you. I’ve got to go.”

     “No, ‘Mr. I’ve Got Something To Tell You,’ you’re not going anywhere.”

     She glared at me as if I’d committed a crime. I bowed my head in shame.

     “I’m waiting.”

     “All right, but don’t hate me.”

     “Hate you? I love you, or I wouldn’t put up with your bizarre antics.”

     I got up from the table and started walking out of the room. I looked back and . . .

     “Where are you going?” Nancy asked, confused.

     “To set the stage.”           

     “For what?”

     “The dream.” I pulled the blinds down and shut off the lights, leaving us in total darkness.

     “This is not making me comfortable. Can’t we have a little light.”

     “No! Dreams occur in the dark.”

     “Are you coming back?”

     “All in good time.” I wasn’t sure I knew what I was doing, but I had to do it.

     “Are you comfortable with this?” my soft inner voice whispered.

     “I don’t know. Do you have another suggestion?”

     “Let me think.”

     “Think. That’s how you always avoid facing the inevitable.”

     “Well, you can’t do it without me, so you’re just going to have to follow my lead.”

     “What lead? This is getting ridiculous.”

     Do I dare share my dream with Nancy? How will she react to what I have to say? I thought. I can’t keep her waiting in the dark. I’ve got to go back.

     “Are you awake yet?” the inner me chimed.

     “You mean I’m still asleep?”

     “That’s exactly what I mean. And you know you’ve never been married.”

     “But she’s in the kitchen waiting for me. We’ve been together seventeen years.”

     “Yeah, since you were born.”

     “But I’m thirty-seven.”

     “In your dreams you are?”

     “This is not real. It’s all a dream.”

     “Did you ask her to the homecoming dance?”

     “Homecoming dance?”

     “The one in December. She is the girl of your dreams, after all.”

     “Oh, my! I’ve got to wake up! I screamed.

 

 

Copyright © 2025 Alan Lowe. All rights reserved.