Real Life Enrichment

My Name Is Crystal Meth

2012-02-08T14:36:00.000-08:00

I destroy homes. I tear families apart.
I take your children, and that’s just the start.

I’m more costly than diamonds, more precious than gold.
The sorrow I bring is a sight to behold.

If you need me, remember I’m easily found.
I live all around you - in school and in town.

I live with the rich. I live with the poor.
I live down the street and maybe next door.

I’m made in a lab, but not like you think.
I can be made under the kitchen sink,

in your child’s closet, and even in the woods.
If this scares you to death well it certainly should.

My power is awesome. Try me and you’ll see.
But if you do, you may never break free.

Just try me once and I might let you go.
But try me twice, and I’ll own your soul.

When I possess you, you’ll steal and you’ll lie.
You do what you have to—just to get high.

The crimes you’ll commit for my narcotic charms
will be worth the pleasure you’ll feel in your arms.

You will lie to your mother. You’ll steal from your dad.
When you see their tears, you should feel sad.

But, you’ll forget your morals and how you were raised.
I’ll be your conscience. I’ll teach you my ways.

I take kids from parents, and parents from kids.
I turn people from God, and separate friends.

I’ll take everything from you, your looks and your pride.
I’ll be with you always—right by your side.

You’ll give up everything - your family, your home,
your friends, and your money. Then you’ll be alone.

I’ll take and take til you have nothing more to give.
When I’m finished with you, you’ll be lucky to live.

If you try me be warned - this is no game.
If given the chance I’ll drive you insane.

I’ll ravish your body. I’ll control your mind.
I’ll own you completely. Your soul will be mine.

The nightmares I’ll give you while lying in bed.
The voices you’ll hear from inside your head.

The sweats, the shakes, and the visions you will see,
I want to you know, are all gifts from me.

By then it’s too late, and you’ll know in your heart,
that you are mine and we shall not part.

You’ll regret that you tried me. They always do.
But, you came to me, not I to you.

You knew this would happen. Many times you were told.
But, you challenged my power, and chose to be bold.

You could have said no, and just walked away.
If you could live that day over, now what would you say?

I’ll be your master. You will be my slave.
I’ll even go with you when you go to your grave.

Now that you have met me, what will you do?
Will you try me or not? It’s all up to you.

I have many names, but there’s one you know best.
I’m sure you’ve heard of me, my name is Crystal Meth.

I can bring you more misery than words can tell.
Come take my hand. Let me lead you to hell.

Valentine

2012-02-08T14:24:00.001-08:00

This Is What True Love is All About

2012-02-03T20:18:00.000-08:00

It was a busy morning, approximately 8:30 am, When an elderly gentleman in his 80's, arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He stated that he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 am. I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would to able to see him. I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound. On exam it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound. While taking care of his wound, we began to engage in conversation I asked him if he had a doctor's appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry. The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife. I then inquired as to her health. He told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer Disease.

As we talked, and I finished dressing his wound, I asked if she would be worried if he was a bit late. He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now. I was surprised, and asked him. "And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are?" He smiled as he patted my hand and said. "She doesn't know me, but I still know who she is."

I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought, "That is the kind of love I want in my life."

True love is neither physical, nor romantic. True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be.

"The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything that comes along their way."

AMAZING PATHS

2012-01-17T19:22:00.001-08:00

Amazing Paths.

002

003

004

005

006

007

008

009

010

011

012

013

014

015

016

017

1935-1939 Pictures of the United States

2012-01-17T18:19:00.001-08:00

That was the hard times, folks…should make us more thankful for all we have.

AFTER YOU LOOK AT THE PICTURES READ THE NOTE AT THE BOTTOM!

WE ALL NEED A REMINDER.

America ...during the years of 1935 - 1939

AND WE THINK WE'VE GOT IT BAD!

This was a mere 70 years ago....

Makes complaining about no cell service, high gasoline prices, not
enough cable channels, et al, seem a bit ludicrous.

I am reminded to be grateful for what I do have ....

Start each day with a smile and a prayer ... then pass it on!

Those Old Westerns

2012-01-17T18:11:00.000-08:00

What Ever Happened to The Old Movies

Those Old Westerns

Go For Launch! Space Shuttle The Time-Lapse Movie

2012-01-16T18:56:00.000-08:00

Your Last Day?

2012-01-16T18:22:00.001-08:00

The Last Day

This is sobering!!!

'BE KIND'

Site for looking up prescription medications

2011-12-30T15:56:00.000-08:00

DrugCite

To My Child

2011-12-29T13:54:00.000-08:00

Things I Can and Cannot Do

I can share your life,
But I cannot live it for you.

I can teach you things,
But I cannot make you learn.

I can give you directions,
But I cannot always lead you.

I can allow you freedom,
But I cannot account for it.

I can take you to worship,
But I cannot make you believe.

I can teach you right from wrong,
But I cannot decide for you.

I can give you love,
But I cannot force it upon you.

I can teach you to share,
But I cannot make you unselfish.

I can teach you to respect,
But I cannot force you to show honor.

I can tell you the facts of life,
But I cannot build your reputation.

I can tell you about lofty goals,
But I cannot achieve them for you.

I can teach you to obey,
But I cannot answer for your actions.

I can warn about your sins,
But I cannot make your morals.

I can love you as my child,
But I cannot place you in Gods family.

I can teach you about Jesus,
But I cannot make Him your Savior.

I can teach you about prayer,
But I cannot make you pray.

I can tell you how to live,
But I cannot give you eternal life.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!

2011-12-27T19:19:00.001-08:00

 YOUR DAILY SURVIVAL KIT FOR THE NEW YEAR
 
Today, I am giving you a 

DAILY SURVIVAL KIT 

to help you each day............ 

Toothpick ... to remind you to pick the good qualities in everyone, including yourself. 

Rubber band ... to remind you to be flexible. Things might not always go the way you want, but it can be  worked out. 

Band-Aid ... to remind you to heal hurt feelings, either yours or someone else's. 

Eraser ... to remind you everyone makes mistakes. That's okay, we learn by our errors. 

Candy Kiss ... to remind you everyone needs a hug or a compliment everyday. 

Mint ... to remind you that you are worth a mint to your family & Me. 

Bubble Gum ... to remind you to stick with it and you can accomplish anything. 

Pencil ... to remind you to list your blessings every day. 

Tea Bag ... to remind you to take time to relax daily and go over that list of God's blessings. 

This is what makes life worth living every minute, every day 

Wishing you love, gratitude, friends to cherish, caring, sharing, laughter, music, and warm feelings in your heart in the New year.

A New Year's Wish for You

2011-12-27T19:13:00.000-08:00

A New Years Wish For You …

May you always make the right moves.

May your cup runneth over with love.

May you always find shelter from any storm.

May you remain good looking and looking good!

May you find the perfect diet for your soul.

(If this face doesn't make you want to stop eating sausage, nothing will.)

May you find perfect balance in the company you keep.

May you have as much fun as you can before someone makes you stop.

May the worst thing that happens to you come in slobbery pink and furry tan.

May you manage to make time for siesta.

May all the new folks you meet be interesting and kind.

May your accessories always harmonize with your natural beauty!

Should your mouth be bigger than your stomach, may you have a chewing good time!

May you always know when to walk away and know when to run.

And may your friends always bring you joy!

MAY YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL NEW YEAR FILLED WITH LOVE, HAPPINESS, AND HOPE.

Enjoy Life

2011-12-27T17:40:00.001-08:00

The Woodpecker Might have to go!

May your troubles be less, may your blessings be more, and may nothing but happiness come through your door

Don't take life so seriously!
DANCE

KISS A LOT!

RELAX IN NATURE

HAVE FUN

AND BE HAPPY!!!!

Every sixty seconds you spend angry, upset or mad, is a full minute of happiness you'll never get back..

Today's Message of the Day is:

Life is short, Break the rules, Forgive quickly, Kiss slowly, Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably, And never regret anything that made you smile.

The Rain

2011-12-27T16:31:00.001-08:00

The Rain

It was a busy
morning, about 8:30, when an elderly
gentleman in his 80's arrived to have
stitches removed from his thumb.
He said he was in a hurry as he had an
appointment at 9:00 am.
I took his vital
signs and had him take a seat,
knowing it would be over an hour
before someone
would too able to see him.
I saw him looking at his watch and
decided, since I
was not busy with another patient,
I would evaluate his wound.
On exam, it was
well healed, so I talked to one of the
doctors, got the needed supplies to
remove his sutures and redress his wound.

While taking care of
his wound, I asked him if he
had another doctor's appointment
this morning, as
he was in such a hurry.

The gentleman told me no, that he
needed to go to
the nursing home to eat breakfast
with his wife. I inquired as to her
health.

He told me that she had been there
for a while and that she
was a victim of Alzheimer's Disease.

As we
talked, I asked if she would be
upset if he was a bit late.

He
replied that she no longer knew
who he was, that she had not
recognized him in
five years now.

I was surprised, and asked him,
'And you still go every
morning, even though she
doesn't know who you are?'

He smiled as he
patted my hand and said,

'She doesn't
know me, but I still know who she is.'

I had to hold back
tears as he left, I had goose bumps
on my arm, and thought,

'That is
the kind of love I want in my life.'

True love is
neither physical, nor romantic.

True love is an
acceptance of all that is,
has been, will be, and will not
be.

With all the jokes
and fun that are in e-mails,
sometimes there is one that comes
along that has an
important message..
This one I thought I could share with you.

The
happiest people don't necessarily
have the best of everything;
they just make
the best of everything they have.

I hope you share this with someone you
care about. I just did..

'Life isn't about
how to survive the storm,
But how to dance
in the rain.'
We are all getting Older
Tomorrow may be our turn

Blessed In Aging

2011-12-27T16:17:00.000-08:00

(written by Esther Mary Walker )

Blessed are they who understand
My faltering step and shaking hand
Blessed, who know my ears today
Must strain to hear the things they say.

Blessed are those who seem to know
My eyes are dim and my mind is slow
Blessed are those who look away
When I spilled tea that weary day.

Blessed are they who, with cheery smile
Stopped to chat for a little while
Blessed are they who know the way
To bring back memories of yesterday.

Blessed are those who never say
"You've told that story twice today"
Blessed are they who make it known
That I am loved, respected and not alone.

And blessed are they who will ease the days
Of my journey home, in loving ways.

Daddy's Poem

2011-12-16T18:34:00.001-08:00

I'll just warn you now that this one will get you right in the heart!!

Daddy's Poem
Her hair was up in a pony tail,
her favorite dress tied with a bow.
Today was Daddy's Day at school,
and she couldn't wait to go.

But her mommy tried to tell her,
that she probably should stay home;
why the kids might not understand,
if she went to school alone.

But she was not afraid;
she knew just what to say.
What to tell her classmates
of why he wasn't there today.

But still her mother worried,
for her to face this day alone.
And that was why, once again,
she tried to keep her daughter home.

But the little girl went to school,eager to tell them all.
About a dad she never sees, a dad
who never calls.
There were daddies along the wall in
back, for everyone to meet.
Children squirming impatiently,
anxious in their seat.

One by one the teacher called
on a student from the class.
To introduce their daddy,
as seconds slowly passed.

At last the teacher called her name,
every child turned to stare.
Each of them was searching,
a man who wasn't there.

"Where's her daddy at?"
she heard a boy call out.
"She probably doesn't have one,"
another student dared to shout.
And from somewhere near the back,
she heard a daddy say,
"Looks like another deadbeat dad,
too busy to waste his day."

The words did not offend her,
as she smiled up at her Mom.
And looked back at her teacher, who
told her to go on..

And with hands behind her back,
slowly she began to speak.
And out from the mouth of a child,
came words incredibly unique.

"My Daddy couldn't be here,
because he lives so far away.
But I know he wishes he could be,
since this is such a special day.

And though you cannot meet him,
I wanted you to know
all about my daddy,
and how much he loves me so.

He loved to tell me stories,
he taught me to ride my bike;
he surprised me with pink roses,
and taught me to fly a kite.

We used to share fudge sundaes,
and ice cream in a cone.
And though you cannot see him.
I'm not standing here alone.

'Cause my daddy's always with me,
even though we are apart;
I know because he told me,
he'll forever be in my heart"

With that, her little hand reached up,
and lay across her chest.
Feeling her own heartbeat,
beneath her favorite dress.

And from somewhere there in the crowd of dads,
her mother stood in tears.
Proudly watching her daughter,
who was wise beyond her years.
For she stood up for the love
of a man not in her life.
Doing what was best for her,
doing what was a right.
And when she dropped her hand back
down, staring straight into the crowd.
She finished with a voice so soft,
but its message clear and loud.

"I love my daddy very much,
he's my shining star.
And if he could, he'd be here,
but heaven's just too far.

You see he is an American Soldier
and he died just this past year,,when a roadside bomb hit his convoy
and taught Americans to fear.

But sometimes when I close my eyes,
it's like he never went away."
And then she closed her eyes,
and saw him there that day.

And to her mother's amazement,
she witnessed with surprise,
a room full of daddies and children,
all starting to close their eyes.

Who knows what they saw before them;
who knows what they felt inside.
Perhaps for merely a second,
they saw him at her side.

"I know you're with me Daddy,"
to the silence she called out.
And what happened next made believers,
of those once filled with doubt.

Not one in that room could explain it,
for each of their eyes had been closed.
But there on the desk beside her,
was a fragrant long-stemmed pink rose.

And a child was blessed, if only for
a moment, by the love of her shining star.
And given the gift of believing,
that heaven is never too far.

They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them, but then an entire life to forget them.

Take the time....to live and love.
Until eternity…

God Bless
There must be many children in the same boat as this little girl, thanks to our servicemen and their families for the sacrifice they are making to keep our country free.
The ULTIMATE sacrifice is being left behind. Don't forget them.
PRAY FOR OUR TROOPS!!!

Before

2011-12-15T19:12:00.001-08:00

Before you act, listen.
Before you react, think.
Before you spend, earn.
Before you pray, forgive.
Before you quit, try.

Water From The Well

2011-12-12T18:02:00.000-08:00

Carlson School of Management Flash Mob, Deck the Halls

2011-12-12T16:15:00.000-08:00

Pray for One Another

2011-12-12T14:40:00.000-08:00

"God is near to those that are broken at heart; and those crushed in spirit He saves." Psalms 34:18

Blessings

A voyaging ship was wrecked during a storm at sea and only two of the men on it were able to swim to a small, desert-like island. The two survivors, not knowing what else to do, agreed that they had no other recourse but to pray to God. However, to find out whose prayer was more powerful, they agreed to divide the territory between them and stay on opposite sides of the island.

The first thing they prayed for was food. The next morning, the first man saw a fruit-bearing tree on his side of the land, and he was able to eat its fruit. The other man's parcel of land remained barren.

After a week, the first man was lonely and he decided to pray for a wife. The next day, there was a woman who swam to his side of the island. On the other side of the island, there was nothing. Soon the first man prayed for a house, clothes and more food. The next day, like magic, all of these were given to him. However, the second man still had nothing.

Finally, the first man prayed for a ship, so that he and his wife could leave the island. In the morning, he found a ship docked at his side of the island. The first man boarded the ship with his wife and decided to leave the second man on the island. He considered the other man unworthy to receive God's blessings, since none of his prayers had been answered.

As the ship was about to leave, the first man heard a voice from heaven booming, "Why are you leaving your companion on the island?"

"My blessings are mine alone, since I was the one who prayed for them," the first man answered. "His prayers were all unanswered, and so he does not deserve anything,"

"You are mistaken!" the voice rebuked him. "He had only one prayer, which I answered. If not for that, you would not have received any of my blessings."

"Tell me," the first man asked the voice, "what did he pray for that I should owe him anything?"

"He prayed that all your prayers be answered."

For all we know, our blessings are not the fruits of our prayers alone, but those of another praying for us. This story is too good not to share. "What you do for others is more important than what you do for yourself."

This story was shared with me by a friend, I hope you will share it with your friends. My prayer for you today is that all your prayers are answered. Wishing you every happiness this holiday season and throughout the coming year. Be blessed.

You Think About It!

Kevin

How Great Thou Art - HD - Barbershop Multitrack

2011-12-10T19:57:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas

2011-12-07T19:58:00.000-08:00

Today...I wish you a day of ordinary acts of God.

A fresh pot of coffee you didn't have to make yourself.

An unexpected phone call from an old friend.

Green stoplights on your way to work or shop.

I wish you a day of little things to rejoice in...

The fastest line at the grocery store.

A good sing along song on the radio.

Your keys right where you look.

I wish you a day of happiness and perfection-little bite-size pieces of perfection that give you the funny feeling that the Lord is smiling on you, holding you so gently because you are someone special and rare.

I wish You a day of Peace, Happiness and Joy.

They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them,

but then an entire life to forget them.

Send this phrase to the people you'll never forget .

It's a short message to let them know that you'll never forget them.

If you don't send it to anyone, it means you're in too much of a hurry and that you've probably forgotten your friends.

Take the time!

Wishing you a very Blessed Holiday Season

and the best in 2012

and....

Christmas Trees 'Round the World'

2011-12-06T19:35:00.000-08:00

Be sure to read at the end, the real meaning of the 12 days of Christmas

The Capitol Christmas tree in Washington, D.C., is decorated with 3,000 ornaments that are the handiwork of U.S. Schoolchildren. Encircling evergreens in the 'Pathway of Peace' represent the 50 U.S. States.

The world's largest Christmas tree display rises up the slopes of Monte Ingino outside of Gubbio, in Italy's Umbria region. Composed of about 500 lights connected by 40,000 feet of wire, the 'tree' is a modern marvel for an ancient city

A Christmas tree befitting Tokyo's nighttime neon display is projected onto the exterior of the Grand Prince Hotel Akasaka.

Illuminating the Gothic facades of Prague's Old Town Square, and casting its glow over the manger display of the famous Christmas market, is a grand tree cut in the Sumava mountains in the southern Czech Republic.

Venice 'S Murano Island renowned throughout the world for its quality glass-work is home to the tallest glass tree in the world. Sculpted by master glass blower Simone Cenedese, the artistic Christmas tree is a modern reflection of the holiday season.

Moscow celebrates Christmas according to the Russian Orthodox calendar on Jan. 7. For weeks beforehand, the city is alive with festivities in anticipation of Father Frost's arrival on his magical troika with the Snow Maiden. He and his helper deliver gifts under the New Year tree, or yolka, which is traditionally a fir.

The largest Christmas tree in Europe (more than 230 feet tall) can be found in the Praa do Comrcio in Lisbon, Portugal. Thousands of lights adorn the tree, adding to the special enchantment of the city during the holiday season.

'Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree': Even in its humblest attire, aglow beside a tiny chapel in Germany's Karwendel mountains, a Christmas tree is a wondrous sight.

Ooh la la Galeries Lafayette! In Paris, even the Christmas trees are chic. With its monumental, baroque dome, plus 10 stories of lights and high fashion, it's no surprise this show-stopping department store draws more visitors than the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower

In addition to the Vatican's heavenly evergreen, St. Peter's Square in Rome hosts a larger-than-life nativity scene in front of the obelisk.

The Christmas tree that greets revelers at the Puerta del Sol is dressed for a party. Madrid's two-week celebration makes millionaires along with merrymakers. On Dec. 22, a lucky citizen will win El Gordo (the fat one), the world's biggest lottery.

A token of gratitude for Britain's aid during World War II, the Christmas tree in London's Trafalgar Square has been the annual gift of the people of Norway since 1947.

Drink a glass of gluhwein from the holiday market at the Romer Frankfurt's city hall since 1405 and enjoy a taste of Christmas past.

Against a backdrop of tall, shadowy firs, a rainbow trio of Christmas trees lights up the night (location unknown).

There is one Christmas Carol that has always baffled me. What in the world do leaping lords, French hens, swimming swans, and especially the partridge who won't come out of the pear tree have to do with Christmas?

This week, I found out.

From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember.

-The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.
-Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.
-Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.-
-The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.
-The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.
-The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.
-Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit--Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.
-The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.
-Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit--Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.
-The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments.
-The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.
-The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.

So there is your history for today. This knowledge was shared with me and I found it interesting and enlightening and now I know how that strange song became a Christmas Carol...so pass it on if you wish.'

Merry Christmas Everyone

CHRISTMAS AT ARLINGTON CEMETERY

I wonder why the press hasn't enlightened the public about it??

Arlington National Cemetery

Rest easy, sleep well my brothers.
Know the line has held, your job is done.
Rest easy, sleep well.
Others have taken up where you fell, the line has held.
Peace, peace, and farewell...

Readers may be interested to know that these wreaths -- some 5,000 -- are donated by the Worcester Wreath Co. of Harrington, Maine. The owner, Merrill Worcester, not only provides the wreaths, but covers the trucking expense as well. He's done this since 1992. A wonderful guy. Also, most years, groups of Maine school kids combine an educational trip to DC with this event to help out. Making this even more remarkable is the fact that Harrington is in one the poorest parts of the state.

30 millions have read the DASH

2011-12-05T21:44:00.001-08:00

The Dash
By Linda Ellis

I read of a man who stood to speak
At the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
From the beginning...to the end.

He noted that first came the date of her birth
And spoke of the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time
That she spent alive on earth
And now only those who loved her
Know what that little line is worth.

For it matter not, how much we own,
The cars...the house...the cash.
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard;
Are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left
That can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough
To consider what's true and real
And always try to understand
The way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger
And show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives
Like we've never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect
And more often wear a smile...
Remembering that this special dash
Might only last a little while.

So when your eulogy is being read
With your life's actions to rehash,
Would you be proud of the things they say
About how you spent your dash?

The Wooden Bowl

2011-12-05T20:15:00.000-08:00

The Wooden Bowl

The Wooden Bowl

I guarantee you will remember the tale of the Wooden Bowl tomorrow, a week from now, a month from now, a year from now.

A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year-old grandson.

The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered.

The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult.. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor.

When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth.

The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess.

'We must do something about father,' said the son.

'I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor.'

So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner.

There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner.

Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl.

When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone.

Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food.

The four-year-old watched it all in silence.

One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor.

He asked the child sweetly, 'What are you making?' Just as sweetly, the boy responded,

'Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up. '

The four-year-old smiled and went back to work.

The words so struck the parents so that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks.. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done.

That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table.

For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason,

neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.

On a positive note, I've learned that, no matter what happens, how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.

I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles four things:

a rainy day, the elderly, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.

I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as making a 'life.'

I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.

I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back sometimes.

I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you.

But, if you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others, your work and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.

I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.

I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.

I've learned that every day, you should reach out and touch someone.

People love that human touch -- holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.

I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.

I've learned that you should share this with everyone you care about.