Good Sunday Morning! As we watch the SECOND major hurricane hit our Country in less than a month, I am struck watching Americans face these crises with hope and courage. We are NOT Republicans or Democrats facing this horror, we are AMERICANS! We MUST once and for all put away the issues and individuals who would choose to DIVIDE us and come TOGETHER to build an AMERICA FOR ALL! One America built on the foundations laid out by our Forefathers. One America where EVERY child has an opportunity for education and success! One America where NO CHILD goes hungry. Whether white, black or brown, whether Christian, Jew, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu or agnostic we must WORK TOGETHER for the common good of ALL or find ourselves divided and dying like so many civilizations before us. It is TIME to STOP the name calling and hateful rhetoric and find a MORAL COMPASS for the good of America and all mankind!
Showing posts with label Kindness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kindness. Show all posts
Sunday, September 10, 2017
Sunday, March 15, 2015
What Ever Happened To Respect?
From the time of earliest memory, I can always recall being told to "respect my elders" and respect my parents and my teachers and all those in authority. The Bible teaches to "honor thy Father and thy Mother" and Jesus said "render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's and unto God the things that are God"..respect authority.
What has happened in the last twenty years? I find it horrifying that not only are children not being to taught to respect their parents, teachers and elders, but most adults are not respecting authority of ANY kind. They talk in front of their children and denigrate anyone who does not share their personal belief or desires. They call police "pigs" and say terrible things about elected officials.
The way our President is being treated is a perfect example of the lack of respect for authority that is rampant in this Country today. I don't know of any other Country in the world that would allow the rhetoric and vilification that occurs on a daily basis agains the man who was rightfully elected to serve as the Commander in Chief of our Nation. I'm not saying you have to agree with what any President or elected official says, but you must be willing to respect their right to say or do what they were elected to do. When you don't agree, then you have a chance to VOTE to change what you do or don't agree with.
That seems to be only the tip of the ice berg. This disrespect for authority seems to be across the board in the current climate of this Country. There is a frightening disrespect for any authority including police and teachers. Children are being raised with little to no respect for their parents or anyone else. There is no respect for God and it seems that nothing is sacred any more. Nothing in this world is safe from the disrespect that seems to be running completely rampant.
I don't know what, if anything, can be done to change the course of events that is taking place currently in this Country. The divide is wide and deep and ever present. I fear that if we do not find a way to remedy this situation, it will mean the demise of not only our Country, but of all forms of Democracy throughout the world.
No matter what your belief system, you must all realize that respect MUST become a part of our lives. That we must become a kinder, gentler world and learn to once again show respect for authority. That we must bring up our children to respect their parents and grandparents and all adults who are in authority over them. Respect doesn't mean that we always have to completely agree with one another, but it does mean that we must be willing to submit to authority and teach our children to do so.
PEACE, LOVE & JOY
Linda
What has happened in the last twenty years? I find it horrifying that not only are children not being to taught to respect their parents, teachers and elders, but most adults are not respecting authority of ANY kind. They talk in front of their children and denigrate anyone who does not share their personal belief or desires. They call police "pigs" and say terrible things about elected officials.
The way our President is being treated is a perfect example of the lack of respect for authority that is rampant in this Country today. I don't know of any other Country in the world that would allow the rhetoric and vilification that occurs on a daily basis agains the man who was rightfully elected to serve as the Commander in Chief of our Nation. I'm not saying you have to agree with what any President or elected official says, but you must be willing to respect their right to say or do what they were elected to do. When you don't agree, then you have a chance to VOTE to change what you do or don't agree with.
That seems to be only the tip of the ice berg. This disrespect for authority seems to be across the board in the current climate of this Country. There is a frightening disrespect for any authority including police and teachers. Children are being raised with little to no respect for their parents or anyone else. There is no respect for God and it seems that nothing is sacred any more. Nothing in this world is safe from the disrespect that seems to be running completely rampant.
I don't know what, if anything, can be done to change the course of events that is taking place currently in this Country. The divide is wide and deep and ever present. I fear that if we do not find a way to remedy this situation, it will mean the demise of not only our Country, but of all forms of Democracy throughout the world.
No matter what your belief system, you must all realize that respect MUST become a part of our lives. That we must become a kinder, gentler world and learn to once again show respect for authority. That we must bring up our children to respect their parents and grandparents and all adults who are in authority over them. Respect doesn't mean that we always have to completely agree with one another, but it does mean that we must be willing to submit to authority and teach our children to do so.
PEACE, LOVE & JOY
Linda
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
For The Good Times
I had that happen this morning. "Don't be sad, I know it's over," were the first words that popped into my head this morning. Crazy. "There's no need to watch the bridges as they're burning..." and so on...I think the line that struck me hardest was "make believe you love me one more time...for the good times."
I think we can all relate to those "good times" and those "bad times." No matter where you are in your life right now, I'm sure you can remember those "good times." Wouldn't be amazing if you could remember only those, and forget those "bad times." Then again, I am sure that those "bad times" are sometimes the points in life where we grow the most.
If life were always easy I don't think we could relate to the struggles going on the the world around us. I would certainly like to see more Love in this world, wouldn't you? With war, shootings, bombings and all sorts of angst and fighting going on around us all the times, sometimes the "good times" are hard to appreciate.
Do you remember your first crush? Do you remember how devastating it seemed when it was over? But, looking back I'm sure you would agree that it was just a tiny bump in the road. There are lots of bumps in the road on this journey we call life...some little and some HUGE! The trick is to learn how to survive and thrive in spite of those bumps.
The bumps never really get easier, but I do think that we learn different ways to cope with them as we age. I'm not saying you will never get knocked down, never grieve, never hurt. You will. But, with reflection and effort and maybe a few hugs from friends you will get up and run again. You will have more good times.
One thing that is really important here is to say that YOU need to reach out and hug someone today. Under those smiles we all wear in public are sometimes terribly broken hearts, and just one kind word, smile or hug can help another person over a bad moment or even a bad day. You see, we tend to get so wrapped up in our own troubles that we forget the struggles of those around us.
I am looking forward to some more good times, but I am sure there will be that balance of bad times to go along with them. I'm looking forward to love again. It's been a long time coming, but I'm sure that it will return. Find someone to share the good times with, because with a friend and lover at your side the good times are elevated to new highs.
I've always said that without the really bad times, you can not experience the really good times to the fullest...I still believe that. So, HERE'S TO THE GOOD TIMES!!!
PEACE, LOVE & JOY
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Respect For The Elderly
It has been a crazy couple of weeks here in the Kelly household. As of a week ago, we have a new member in our family. Lucille Kwiatkowski is 94 and 3/4 years old and a feisty and independent lady. Two weeks ago today, her roommate of the past twenty years announced that she was moving out and going to her daughter's home. Lucy K as she is known by many was frantic. Her worst fear in the world is going to a nursing home, and for the past year as she has watched her roommate's health decline, she has expressed this concern many times. The roommate and her daughters had been quite disrespectful to her, and she feared they might "put" her somewhere. You see, because Lucy had no close relatives, the roommates daughters had held her healthcare power of attorney and had been co-signators on her checking/savings accounts.
About 8 months ago Lucy came to me and asked me if I would be willing to take responsibility for her healthcare decisions and help her manage her finances and accounts, as she no longer trusted the daughters to do this. They had forbidden her to drive any more and were refusing to take her to doctors and stores when she needed to go. I agreed to do the same and told her that as long as I was alive and well she would never end up in a nursing home. You see, as a retired Home Health Care Registered Nurse, I had seen frequent abuse and disrespect of the elderly. I was frequently frustrated by by inability to help those whose families and friends starved, beat and stole from them!
After waiting several months and much discussion, Lucy and I went to a local attorney and had a Durable Power of Attorney, and Healthcare Directive drawn up. We also went to the bank and closed her accounts and opened two new ones, with only her name and mine on the accounts. We had a lot of small details to attend to including visiting the Funeral Director where she had prepaid for her final expenses, and sending doctors copies of the new healthcare directives. But, after a few months, all was settled. Lucy did not want to share this information with her roommate immediately because of her fear of repercussions.
Last week the information came out and Lucy's fears about how the roommate and her daughters would act were realized ... and it was terrible. They even tried to force her to change her bank accounts to their names by loading her up in a car in driving her to the bank. She did not change her mind. When I discovered what was happening, I had a discussion with both her roommate and Lucy. I also attempted to speak with the daughters, who were extremely aggressive and rude. I explained to the roommate that nothing had to change; I would still take she and Lucy to church on Sunday, to the doctor and to the hairdresser and store. I would still continue to make their meals as I had been doing for the past year. I hoped that this would keep things from coming to a boil!
The very next evening the roommate told Lucy that she was leaving, and she had already called the Landlord to tell him so. Lucy and my husband and I had a discussion, and we all agreed that the best solution would be for Lucy to move in here and we would care for her. She is a joy, and we love her. She will be well fed, and well cared for here. We moved all her bedroom furniture into the front Master Suite and she has her own private bath. We will be making a few minor adjustments, but she is extremely happy here.
Do you know people who are being neglected and/or abused by their family or neighbors and friends? Have you ever considered preparing an extra plate of food for an elderly neighbor? Have you considered visiting with an elderly neighbor to make sure they are not lonely or don't need an occasional trip to the store for groceries? You don't need to be a Nurse to do this. In most other countries in the world, the elderly are treated with dignity and respect. For some reason, in this Country, we are failing our elderly and do not value their wisdom. They are frequently pushed aside and forgotten. I believe there is a lot to be learned from their experience and wisdom.
Lucy has lived nearly 95 years, and I tease her daily about having at least another ten because there is a gentleman in our Church who is 104! She may be occasionally forgetful, and she doesn't move as quickly as someone half her age, but she is wonderfully insightful and kind and has a lot to offer! Reach out to those elderly persons around you whether they are family, friends or neighbors...the reward will be yours!
About 8 months ago Lucy came to me and asked me if I would be willing to take responsibility for her healthcare decisions and help her manage her finances and accounts, as she no longer trusted the daughters to do this. They had forbidden her to drive any more and were refusing to take her to doctors and stores when she needed to go. I agreed to do the same and told her that as long as I was alive and well she would never end up in a nursing home. You see, as a retired Home Health Care Registered Nurse, I had seen frequent abuse and disrespect of the elderly. I was frequently frustrated by by inability to help those whose families and friends starved, beat and stole from them!
After waiting several months and much discussion, Lucy and I went to a local attorney and had a Durable Power of Attorney, and Healthcare Directive drawn up. We also went to the bank and closed her accounts and opened two new ones, with only her name and mine on the accounts. We had a lot of small details to attend to including visiting the Funeral Director where she had prepaid for her final expenses, and sending doctors copies of the new healthcare directives. But, after a few months, all was settled. Lucy did not want to share this information with her roommate immediately because of her fear of repercussions.
Last week the information came out and Lucy's fears about how the roommate and her daughters would act were realized ... and it was terrible. They even tried to force her to change her bank accounts to their names by loading her up in a car in driving her to the bank. She did not change her mind. When I discovered what was happening, I had a discussion with both her roommate and Lucy. I also attempted to speak with the daughters, who were extremely aggressive and rude. I explained to the roommate that nothing had to change; I would still take she and Lucy to church on Sunday, to the doctor and to the hairdresser and store. I would still continue to make their meals as I had been doing for the past year. I hoped that this would keep things from coming to a boil!
The very next evening the roommate told Lucy that she was leaving, and she had already called the Landlord to tell him so. Lucy and my husband and I had a discussion, and we all agreed that the best solution would be for Lucy to move in here and we would care for her. She is a joy, and we love her. She will be well fed, and well cared for here. We moved all her bedroom furniture into the front Master Suite and she has her own private bath. We will be making a few minor adjustments, but she is extremely happy here.
Do you know people who are being neglected and/or abused by their family or neighbors and friends? Have you ever considered preparing an extra plate of food for an elderly neighbor? Have you considered visiting with an elderly neighbor to make sure they are not lonely or don't need an occasional trip to the store for groceries? You don't need to be a Nurse to do this. In most other countries in the world, the elderly are treated with dignity and respect. For some reason, in this Country, we are failing our elderly and do not value their wisdom. They are frequently pushed aside and forgotten. I believe there is a lot to be learned from their experience and wisdom.
Lucy has lived nearly 95 years, and I tease her daily about having at least another ten because there is a gentleman in our Church who is 104! She may be occasionally forgetful, and she doesn't move as quickly as someone half her age, but she is wonderfully insightful and kind and has a lot to offer! Reach out to those elderly persons around you whether they are family, friends or neighbors...the reward will be yours!
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