In today's world we seem to be invited to "come by and see" weekly by one more Reality Show on television. I always decline the offer.

I have no friends who would have 8 to 12 surgery procedures to look like someone they aren't, in order to participate on a reality show called "Swan", and be rejected before the whole country, and possibly the world.

I do have to say that probably a few folks that I know might travel to a south sea island to eat a worm or something else disgusting for one million dollars.

I don't think I know any single women who would go on "The Batchelor" looking for a husband.

Now don't misunderstand me, I know folks who deal in REALITY daily. My oldest daughter is raising two of her grandchildren because their mother has a crack problem. She is 46 years old today; and reality surrounds her every day.

My friend Hellen is the sole caregiver for her husband who has Parkinson's disease. Reality to her is wondering if the next time she has to go to the bathroom, will it be a leisurely experience or something in a blur. She has no time for herself except on Wednesday mornings when she hires a neighbor to stay with her husband, while she grocery shops and runs other errands. One of the meds he takes causes him to react violently sometimes to things no one else sees; so she also has that to watch for. As she views her horizon of life, most days it looks endless and scary. Her mother is also beginning to show symptoms of senility or Alzheimer's.

My friend Carmen lives in a reality zone also. Her mother who moved in with her after Carmen's husband passed away, has been between the hospital and nursing home for almost 3 months now, with only about a week and a half at home. My friend, who isn't well herself, is running back and forth daily. Her reality is TIRED. As she looks at he horizon that extends before her, she sees no relief soon.

Ellaray, whom I haven't spoken to since we helped them during the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew to restore their home, called the Council Friday to book a ride for her husband. I recognized her name since it is so unusual. In the course of the conversation, she told me that she and her husband had divorced. I asked her why she was booking his ride if that was so. She told me he was in a bad boating accident a few years after they divorced, and he was alone, so she came to take care of him. He has a broken body, and some degree of brain damage from the accident. This is reality! I can tell you her horizon has many storm clouds visible.

A baby waking you at 3 a.m. A wrong number in the wee hours of the night. A right number telling you your child was in an accident, come quickly. A relative or friend is sick or dead.

These are all things of reality, and not many of them are glamorous or to be sought after.

You baby's first word, step, smile. Your child graduating from kindergarten, 8th grade, high school or college. The birth of your first grandchild. Getting a promotion you worked hard for, and a raise.

These are all things of reality that should be sought, savored and enjoyed, and the memory stored within you for future enjoyment.