My daughter recently came home from eight grade with a "Rapid Response" identity card that could be used should she get lost or abducted. It holds her picture, some vital statistics and details about the "Smile Safe Kids" program. This system is used to try and prevent children from disappearing.

No literature came home with her nor was it discussed at "Back-to-School Night," just inclusion of said cards with her regular school pictures. Getting lost... not an easy topic to cover. It is unimaginable to consider losing a child or dealing with severe injury or catastrophic loss. Unfortunately, we all face loss at some point. It is part of the living and surviving process.

How we deal with loss determines what type of person we truly are. Some losses are greater than others but most require a certain amount of fortitude in order to conquer feelings that can easily overpower a healthy mind and a normally giving heart. I have a friend that has been battling depression for a while, 2009 brought the loss of his mother, a divorce and changes in his work that drastically reduced his income. Things just haven't been going his way. Last week, someone broke into his car and decided that he had things they just needed to take for himself, including several sentimental items.

Some would say this is bad luck. I guess I would too. I used to say, "Things can't get any worse" until a friend told me "Things are never so bad that they can't get worse." Truer words have never been spoken. Maybe we should be thankful that the car wasn't taken, or that someone wasn't in the car when it was determined to be a good target.

Losing is just another opportunity to win..., tomorrow. I was involved in a season-long football pool two years ago. I based my picks on the number of previous losses, as well as how severe those losses were. I always considered the psychological state of the teams, always. I won the pool that year, beating all the men in the group and taking home about $280. Losing does something to your psyche. It changes how we approach challenge, how we determine speed, and those with whom we will engage. Making it work may work for some. For most, letting go of certain ideals will determine ability to move forward.

I don't like losing. I am sure no one else does, either. It's why my son wears a helmet, why I love the Colts, and why a smile works - every time.


© by rayannethorn