The holidays are approaching so fast. Already, I am receiving those holiday letters, as I have a few friends who write their holiday letter about family in October. It seems that many people in this high-tech age no longer write those personal letters.
Episode 280: The Nifty 90s →
Recently, my friend celebrated her 91st birthday. She has had a very full life, but is experiencing life changes. One must part with things and make the necessary changes in life and living. We call it downsizing, when one moves from your home to an apartment and then to a room in a residential setting. In last week's column, I promised that I would share some thoughts about the nifty 90s. I must do this before these nifty 90s leave us for the next century. I wrote these thoughts in the 70s. Remember that bicentennial year, the poem has been published in the 1995 National Poetry anthology entitled, "Tomorrow Never Knows the Nifty 90s."
Episode 279: Life is Fun at 80 →
Recently, a few of my friends celebrated their 80th birthday anniversaries. It was a very special occasion where family and friends came for an Open House to celebrate life together. It is quite interesting that when I taught Gerontology classes that I called the 80s, "The Lively 80s." An essay entitled "Life Begins at 80," supports those warm thoughts.
Episode 278: Grandma & Grandpa →
A recent article I read states that the United Nations General Assembly has designated 1999 as the "International Year of Older Persons." The theme will be "towards a society of all ages." This theme was chosen to promote the philosophy that societies should be inclusive in nature, should embrace all population groups, and share their resources equally.
Episode 269: Tender & Tough →
The first day of summer - good, old summertime is very near. Next Sunday is not only the first day of summer, but it is also Father's Day. In our own special way, we honor our fathers on this day. We have our very special memories. Many memories touched my heart as I read about the "Old Fashioned Daddy."
Episode 268: What Our Flag Represents →
When you read this column, it will be only a few days before Flag Day. I have often wondered if "Old Glory" could tell her story, just what she might tell us. Recently, I read some warm thoughts, which I'd like to share with you, my dear readers of this column. "Some people call me 'Old Glory.' Others refer to me as the 'Star Spangled Banner,' or the 'Stars and stripes.' But whatever they call me, I am your flag. I remember some time ago, people lined up on both sides of the street to watch a parade, and naturally, I was leading every parade proudly waving in the breeze. What happened? I am still the same old flag, but now I don't feel as proud as I used to be when I come down your street. You just stand there with your hands in your pockets. Then I see the children running around and shouting, is it a sin to be patriotic anymore? Have people forgotten what I stand for and where I've been?"
Episode 258: She Helps Me Think the Best →
Over a month ago, I received a telephone call from my sister, who lives in Colorado. She stated that in a few days, a new computer would arrive in her home. She told me the name of her computer, but I just forgot. Since then, I have asked her the computer's name and whether it was a boy or girl. Now this may sound strange to the faithful readers of this warm thoughts column. However, if you remember, even America was referred to as a "she" by former President Reagan, and you are aware that ships have been known as being female. Example, "steady as she goes," and "she's sailing great captain!" I'm not a scientist when it comes to computers, and my grandchildren are far more computer literate than I am.
Episode 243: Golden Anniversary →
November. Can it really be November? Already, it seems, the year has it's last flare of youth in October. In November, the earth folds its hands, hands that have been trained in the lesson of content and waits for that garment of snow.
Episode 242: Make a Difference →
A recent warm thoughts column provided information about Make a Difference Day, which is October 26th. It is a day when everyone is encouraged to make a difference in their community and world by making it a Day of Caring, an annual National Day of helping others. Across the nation, about 1 million Americans will help others on this Make a Difference Day.
Episode 241: More than Money →
While in southern Nebraska on a weekend retreat, my daughter called the Little Home on the Prairie from Texas. Thanks to answering machines, she informed me that in their area in Texas, they got their first cold front. The temperature got to a lovely 70 degrees. I also was made aware that Boulder, Colorado had a storm, no school, and in Denver, many of the trees were destroyed because of an ice storm. And my friend in Florida informs me about the challenges their state experiences in Love Bug month. This time traveling back home throughout the heartland of America, I saw many fields not yet ready for harvest that had been damaged by the early frost. It brought back memories of the challenging years that many of us experienced as a child in those years of depression, which now seem to be history.
Episode 240: Towards a Society of All Ages →
A recent article I read states that the United Nations General Assembly has designated 1999 as International Year of Older Persons. The theme will be "Towards a Society of All Ages." This theme was chosen to promote the philosophy that societies should be inclusive in nature, should embrace all population groups, and share their resources equally. October 1st, 1998 will be the day that the UN launches this year long celebration, which is also the International Day of Older Persons, having its beginning in 1990.
Episode 239: We Are Survivors →
Recently, one of the readers of this column from Texas sent me an article entitled, "We Are Survivors: Consider the Changes We Witnessed." I thought it appropriate to share some of the thoughts from this article. Individuals who were born prior to 1945 will especially understand the changes in their lives.
Episode 233: Listen & Learn →
Recently, I read a book by H. Jackson Brown Jr. entitled, "Live and Learn and Pass it On." In the book, people, ages 5 to 95 share what they have discovered about life, love, and other good stuff. Some of the thoughts are a bit humorous, but somehow we can get the message. I've personally discovered throughout my years that if we really listen, we can learn so much.
Episode 224: Dear Maxine →
As we reflect on the past century, it is interesting that it is the 100th anniversary of the Nobel Peace Prize. We even have a stamp to remind us about this anniversary. Mother Teresa was one of the recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize. When she was asked, "How can we bring peace to the world?" She answered, "Just go home and love your family."
Episode 201: Life Begins at 80 →
Recently, a few of my friends celebrated their 80th Birthday anniversaries. It was a very special occasion where family and friends came for an open house to celebrate life together. It is quite interesting that when I taught gerontology classes that I call the 80s the "lively 80s." An essay entitled, "Life begins at 80" supports those warm thoughts.
Episode 199: Surviving the Changes of Life →
Recently, one of the readers of this column from Texas sent me an article entitled, "We are Survivors: Consider the Changes we have Witnessed." I thought it appropriate to share some of the thoughts from this article.
Episode 187: Guardian Angels →
To the readers of this column: a favorite column of the readers is being repeated by request. It seems there is a special interest in angels and this topic has especially interested my grandchildren. My five-year-old granddaughter has a great need to hold her birthday angel like a security blanket as she travels on vacations.
Episode 186: Children Learn What They Live →
The second Sunday in June is "Children's Day." The following Sunday, we celebrate Father's Day. A great deal of concern has been focused on our children as the dawn of a new century is fast approaching. Children who have graduated this last year in the 20th century are told that they will be shaping the next century. What a challenge for our children and grandchildren!
Episode 181: Cheers to the Graduates! →
Cheers to the graduates! As I write this column, on the day of National Day of Prayer, many warm thoughts come to mind. Throughout the country, many students will be graduating from schools of learning this month. Graduation is both a happy and a sad occasion. The diploma, a symbol of excellence and knowledge, is the inheritance of our youth. I am reminded of what a big gray-haired, soft spoken Professor Greek once stated, as he handed out the diplomas. He said, "Young ladies and gentlemen, it is not possible for everyone to have a great intellect, but it is possible for everyone to have a great heart."
Episode 180: Builders of the Future →
Today, May 3rd, 2001, is National Day of Prayer. Many a church door will be open for prayer warriors to enter and pray on this special day. Wherever we may be, may we observe this very special day of prayer for our country and the leaders of our nation. Our nation was born in a meeting based on prayer. Many important decisions were only made after careful prayer to God. Unless the people of our nation and its leaders turn to God in prayer, our best plans will fail. Mighty leaders in the past have not hesitated to bow down before God. Our first President, George Washington, was recognized by members in Congress to kneel in prayer. Our forefathers and foremothers are known for being prayer warriors. Many events in history have been altered and changed when people have gone to their knees in believing prayer.