Story Library

I Was In Her Prayer Book

(Updated)

Back Story –

I sat there in the car, outside the hospice. This could have been the last time I would ever see her. And indeed, it was. Yet something she told me has stuck with me for lo the many years that have passed, since that visit.

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I was In Her Prayer Book – #419

I was in her Prayer book. What a surprise that was. I had gone to visit someone I used to work with. We had lost touch and I found out she was very ill, so I went to see her. That’s when I found out that all those years, I had been in her prayer book. I had benefited from the entreaties she made to God asking Him to protect and guide me. What a revelation that was!

Then a friend told me just recently, “On 9/11, when there was such chaos from the terrorist attacks, I checked on my daughter and then I checked on you.” Again I was moved. Such an important role to play in someone’s life without even being aware of it.

And so it is in YOUR life. There are people you have helped, or influenced or just spoken to, over time, who remember you; relate to what you said, have been moved by you and what you stand for. They recall their time with you. There are portions of their behavior or their way of thinking or smiling that you helped to form.

What an important role we play with each other. It’s why we have to make every word count. Make every word bring something positive to someone else. You never know what effect you may have on someone. Be sure it’s always something for the better.

P.S.

Was there ever a time when the opposite happened? Someone was hurt or wounded or demeaned by something you said? Best to fix it – sooner rather than later.

Show #419

Bring Back Yesterday

(Updated)

Backstory

This story was written after lunching with friends where the main topic of discussion seemed to be “the good ole days.” It’s not unusual to hear such conversations among those of retirement age. But this was a young group – folks in their 40s and 50s. Already they were considering previous times an improvement to current times. It got me thinking these thoughts.

Bring Back Yesterday #321

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Henry Herman is quoted as saying, back in the 1800s – “Oh God, put back the universe and give me yesterday. “

Those who have traveled half a dozen decades or more do seem to value their yesterday’s more than their tomorrows. Their yesterdays, it would seem, were better …sweeter . . . simpler . . . less demanding.

It was a time of sitting on the dock, watching the clouds go by: of walking down the lane, hand in hand; a time without troubles or concerns. Or perhaps those yesterdays are just the result of selective memory.

They also have tales of having to walk five miles to school, uphill both ways!

Of course, TODAY is the yesterday that our kids will remember. How will this time be reflected in their memory? Will they remember too many toys . . . too many demands . . . time disappearing into a texting telephone?

What can we do, to make today a joyful memory for them? They probably won’t remember who had the biggest toy or the designer book bag.

My guess is that they’ll remember who made them feel good, and why.

Make sure you are part of those happy memories for the youngsters in your life.

[Show #321]

P.S.

What happens when you apply a reality check to your yesterdays? Here’s hoping that you find laughter, lessons learned, happy memories and legitimate nostalgia. Now on to creating tomorrow’s memories, today.

Bridges In Life Planning

Backstory

When I wrote the Christmas story book last year, several book signings were sponsored. It was such fun to meet neighbors and radio fans and friends who came out to support my journalistic endeavor. I also got to speak to groups like the Rotary Club about the book and how it came about. It reminded me of a talk given previously about bridges in life planning. Here’s that story.

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Bridges In Life Planning- #09

I had the privilege of talking with folks up at the Basye Library. As part of their lecture series, we were talking about Bridges in Life Planning – all the decisions that need to be made, when we get to be 60 or 65 or 70. We talked about keeping control of your life, for as long as possible; appreciating the input of others but valuing your own alternatives as well.

There were many opinions about just how much say adult children should have, once parents are up in years. There seemed to be general agreement that older folks have the right to decide how they want to spend their retirement income – as conservatively or as flamboyantly as they wish.

We discussed leaving a legacy of love and integrity and values and how that can be much more important than a trust fund.

We talked about the kinds of people you want to be with and those you don’t want in your life, in later years, and making those decisions for yourself.

It was a spirited discussion. We all learned something about ourselves and each other.

Perhaps the best suggestion came from one man who pointed out, more than anything else, be sure you are still having fun! Never stop having fun.

P.S.

Independence and control. Americans like us are brought up on those principles. We expect to keep them, even as we age. The bridge to a place where we have less independence and control is therefore a hard one to traverse. If you are the adult child, understand your parents’ wishes. If you are the parents, understand that giving over control to someone you love is the easiest way to cross the bridge. Trust, love and understanding. They are each badly needed at this time.

[Show #09]

Shedding Her Skin

(Updated January 13, 2019)

Backstory

In simpler days, people pretty much stayed who they were and where they were. If you were a farmer, you stayed on a farm. An attorney remained in the law. A nurse kept caring for patients. Today, the marvel of available education allows us to decide who and where to be, at any time during our life. You can reinvent yourself over and over during a long lifetime. Watching a friend do that, is what led to this story.

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Shedding Her Skin – #03

She was moving out of the home she had lived in for decades; feeling like a snake shedding its skin.

She hated leaving the well read books, but knew she had extracted from the musty bindings, all their wisdom and wizardry.

Parting with the clothes was hard. From bargains never worn, still bearing tags, to favorites now worn to a thread. And the photos; surely precious heirlooms, every one.

She packed boxes of souvenirs and somehow started to feel free. A burden lifted. A life simplified. Nothing important given up, just stuff now getting in the way.

As she lightened her load, she planned her future. What a surprise! The snake that shed its skin had morphed into a golden eagle, just beginning to spread her wings.

P.S.

We are so blessed to live to the current age. So many people in their fifties are switching careers or taking on entirely new tasks. Those of us in the sixties or seventies are reinventing ourselves at will, backed by the health, education and stamina to do so. My friend, the golden eagle, made her mark on the world after rediscovering her talents and abilities and gaining the courage to proclaim them. Have you done something similar?

[Show #03]

Christmas Travel

Backstory

These tips were developed through personal unfortunate experiences. When they happen, you may have a juicy, gory story to tell of your hard road trip. But you’ll be a happier arrival if you just protect yourself with these tips instead. Happy holiday traveling, whatever your conveyance.

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Christmas Travel – #517

Will you have to travel over the holidays? I don’t envy you! Between never knowing what the weather will do, and the crowds descending on roads and airports and bus stations, it’s not my favorite way to get into the holiday spirit. But if you are traveling, here are a few tips:

Be sure to have some food and water stuffed away. You don’t know when a delay will keep you from eating or being able to purchase food or drink.
If you’re going to be gone for a while, ship your clothes and gifts ahead of time, rather than jostling them with you. It will be well worth the cost and save you a lot of money, if you are traveling by air.
Take a careful inventory every time you leave a restaurant, rest room or waiting area. Be sure you have every bag, purse, toy and blanket that you brought with you. Don’t leave it to chance. If you forget something, you may not be able to go back for it.
Keep your Christmas spirit alive and well. There are thousands of fellow citizens experiencing the same inconveniences as you. All of you are being served by people who are working instead of being home with their families. Have mercy on them. Smile at them and give them a holiday greeting.
Be aware of your surroundings and guard your safety. Carry a few dollars in your pocket for incidentals and security. Avoid pulling out a big roll of your travel dollars. That visual can be enticing to a traveling predator who then focuses on making your dollars, his or her dollars.

And remember the treasure at the end of the rainbow: the loved ones at the end of your trip, who will make your holiday joyous and special.

Take their feelings into consideration too. If your trip is more duty oriented than joy, well, it’s even more important to bring that Christmas spirit with you.

Don’t show up tired and grumpy. Show up tired and smiling with a “Happy Holiday” greeting for everyone.

Even better, wish them all a “Merry Christmas.”

P.S.

One more tip – Be careful if you depend on a GPS to get you to your destination. Accurate a huge percentage of the time, this machine can also take you dangerously off track or going around in circles. Doesn’t hurt to keep an atlas or road map with you as back-up. Double check any directions that don’t sound right or don’t make sense.

[Show #517]

The Spirit of Christmas

Backstory

How do you convey the spirit of Christmas in your world? Are we doing a good job of projecting the essence of peace on earth, good will toward man? Is that hard to do, in a secular world where the presence of angels and miracles is challenged? Here’s what I see, when I look around.

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The Spirit of Christmas – #514

The spirit of Christmas is alive and well in the U.S.A. Look around you. People are giving to the causes that provide Christmas to kids whose stockings would otherwise be empty. From the Marines, to neighborhoods, to the local Rotary Club, coats, toys, books and food are going out with love. The Salvation Army bell is being heeded generously. It’s the time of year to remember others with visits and special considerations.

If your home is decorated in the colors of the Christmas season, invite someone over to enjoy it – someone whose own home may lack holiday sparkle. If you’ve baked those special cookies of yours, take some over to the neighbor who is housebound.

Send cards, make phone calls, send emails, and light up Facebook with Christmas cheer.

We’re all so busy. Yet this is the time of year when we make time for those we love and the friends we treasure. It’s when we’re especially polite to strangers. Don’t let the Christmas rush delete your Christmas spirit.

Remember, the true meaning of Christmas is sharing love and laughter and showing how much we care about each other. Keep the concept alive by what you say and do this season.

If the Christmas spirit is in your heart, it will show. Peace on earth, good will to men – and women too!

P.S.

You know what could happen? You could start to feel so good, carrying the Christmas spirit around with you, that you just might pour it over into 2019. Now wouldn’t THAT be a hoot?

[Show #514]

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