Original Illustration by Ruth Walters

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For a few years now, I have had some folks ask me my views on life, family, and different things. Well, I have been hesitant in doing so, but after years of being asked, I have decided to say a few words on behalf of all those that have asked. Remember now, these are just my thoughts, mixed in with a few good old-time sayings.

Over the years, I have found that family members are a pretty important factor in a person’s life. Saying that, I don’t mean that one has to like everyone in his or her family. You know, I remember years ago my old Dad saying, “George, one thing you have to remember, you have no way of choosing your family… they are just there.”

That is so true. There are some that I get along with and some I don’t. Some I see on a regular basis and some I don’t. Some I have to put up with, and some I don’t. I figure it this way: if anyone happens to come between my wife or our young ones, I just don’t associate with them. It’s as simple as that.

For example, take the powers that be. I don’t have anything against any one man or woman that works for them, but I don’t have to associate myself with them. There are a few, though, that I let talk. On the subject of powers that be, here is another old saying I like a lot and believe to be true: “Remember, that a government big enough to give you everything you want, is also big enough to take away everything you have.”

I guess what I am saying is, the world has changed in the way it looks at things, but for myself, I am still the same and probably always will be. Reason being, I have built my life around my beliefs, and they have done my family and me well for as long as I can remember. I would be a fool to change my ways now. But to each their own, I always say.

I have had a lot of good friends throughout my day, I can say that for certain, and I always have respected others’ points of view, right or wrong. In general, I have supported family values and principles, not just human beings, and looking back, it has served me well.

I know there are some that put their family ahead of everything and anyone, and they are entitled to do that. They build their whole life around family members, which is okay if that’s the road you choose to follow. Myself, I believe everyone should pick their way wisely in the beginning and then pursue it relentlessly. Some do, and some don’t.

Some of my roads were chosen for me in the early days until I became a man, then I decided to follow what I wanted. I made mistakes, no doubt, but mistakes are okay, as long as one learns from them.

Anyways, I can say this: the roads I took are of my choosing and mine alone, and I have never felt regret in those I chose. My family followed me throughout their younger years until they were men, and I never once tried to sway them away from the road of their choice. If asked about a problem, and I have been through a similar situation, I would then tell them how I overcame it. Then I leave it up to them, as it is not for me to make up their minds.

I can honestly say I have raised my family to have minds of their own, and I am proud of the way they have chosen to lead their lives. I don’t think there can be any better rewards in life than to sit back and look out at one’s sons or daughters and see them enjoying life doing what they love.

Yep, times have changed, and I for one think a lot has gone wrong throughout my time here on this old earth… and it’s too bad, too. I can honestly say, though, that I have done all I can to make this world a better place, and my conscience is clear. The problems the old world has now? Well, that lies in the fault of others. Something to think about.

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With that… thanks for dropping by. The stories shared here are a small sample of my work from over forty years of writing.

If you enjoy these glimpses into rural life and the “everyday philosophy” of the North, my full collection of over 2,000 stories is available across eleven published volumes. You can browse all my titles in paperback and eBook on Amazon.ca here.

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In Closing, I Would Like to Wish You Well!

You can reach George Walters at: [email protected] © 2026 GW. Share the link if you want.