I've found myself doing some heavy soul searching lately and after much thought my mind somehow got on the subject of sign/symbols and how they relate to all aspects of life. I now see that almost everything is a symbol for something else.

 The rigid scar behind my left ear is a symbol of when I could have lost everything. Serious ear surgery resulting from a growing cyst on my ear drum that could have cost me everything, including, my hearing, my ability to talk, my facial nerve, and even my life. It is a symbol that I will forever have with me to show that I shouldn't take anything for granted--especially life itself.

 The cross I wear around my neck is a symbol that represents the life of my deceased Uncle Mike. It was given to me on the day after he passed away and I will always hold it near to my heart as a reminder of not only his life--but where I received my writing talents from.

 The blue diamond ring I wear on my finger is a symbol of love, given to me by my Uncle Mike in his last couple months of earthly life. The ring is meant to symbolize love and the bond between two relatives close in spirit--but distant in miles traveled.

 The OFA Class of 2004 ring I wear on my finger is a symbol of accomplishment. When I was a freshman, I was kicked out of OFA and given very little chance to graduate. I stayed determined and I never quit, regardless of failure. The ring is like a trophy from a time that I took on the establishment and won hands down. In the beginning I was given little chance or opportunity, by the end I was respected by not only my peers, but the administration as well. This accomplishment will probably go down as the single most meaningful one of my life and I have the symbol to prove it, now and forever.

 After reading this, aren't you now thinking about the signs and symbols that have/had impacted your life? If so, feel free to share your thoughts on the subject–I would love to hear what anyone has to say on the subject. The symbol at which you can contact me for such conversation is keithzimmer@yahoo.com.