“Failing to appreciate the value of something or someone because you are accustomed to their presence or the benefits they provide, assuming they will always be there available without effort. This behavior often leads to indifference or carelessness and can only be recognized when the person or thing is lost or its absence becomes a problem.”

What I take for granted may not be what you take for granted.

I realize that, and take it for granted.

I come from the long ago. Those were simpler times.

We didn’t lock our doors because we took it for granted that no one would do anything untoward.

We went to school and took it for granted that no one would cheat.

We took it for granted that everyone could read.

We took it for granted that there was a work ethic and everyone would work for a living.

Everyone had a family.

We took it granted that everyone told the truth, democracy was real, and everyone voted.

Simpler times.

Now we take for granted the opposites.

We aren’t safe, people can’t be trusted, law isn’t, truth isn’t, democracy is a word that people don’t know.

The Constitution is a what? and a so what?

Back in the day, my day, we took hope for granted, a brighter future, hard work pays off, righteousness is its own reward, and children will live better than their parents.

Cynicism has reared its ugly head and has eaten hope alive.

Today is my birthday.

I’ve turned 84. I had hoped I would live that long, and now I have. Now I want to live longer.

I live in hope and choice. I hope to choose. I choose to hope. I want to take for granted what I choose.

I take it for granted that it’s better to live than to die. Happiness is better than sad.

As Anne Frank said before they put her in the holocaust gas chamber ovens, “In spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart.”

I want to take that for granted.