The Answer My Friend is Blowin' in the Wind, the Answer is Blowin' in the Wind

Most days, recently, Kevin and my conversations turn to education, students, the state of America, etc. Each day we grow increasingly aware of how wonderful are lives our. We realize how amazing are parents are(were). We realize how good we had/have it. Kevin has some kids in his school that really have some rough situations. I used to think that since I lost my dad, my parents were divorced, blah blah blah...that I had tough. The truth is that I haven't haven't had it easy, but it could have been a lot worse. Now, this does not discredit the pain and heartache that I have had. Every person has their trials and tribulations. Losing dad, the way we lost Dad, was a nightmare. The months following losing Dad were horrible. However, losing a loved one is something that everyone will experience is his life. Not everyone will experience having parents who care(d) and who love(d) and I do/did. The tough knocks have just made me tougher, made me see the world in a different way, made me see myself in a different way. Here are the things I have learned:
You can only be where you are.
What doesn't kill you does indeed make you stronger. (My family is living proof in so many ways)
You cannot change your past.
You cannot cling to your past, you can only grow from your experiences.
Your reactions are your responsibility.
The only person you truly compete with is yourself.
What goes around really does come around.
Some people are not worth your time or energy.
Weed your friend garden, its healthy.
Take care of yourself.
Notice the small things around you.
Grief comes in waves, but like waves will eventually pass or become substantially smaller.
Life is short.
Life is tough.
Life is a gift.