It’s not every day

He fought for the good guys in WWII.

It’s not every day that you come into contact with living history.

We were enjoying dinner at a local restaurant and as it is our custom no matter where we are, we bow our heads and give thanks to God for blessing us. We do not do it for attention. We do it as a reminder of how rich we are.

After we finished our prayer and began eating, a gentleman approached our table from across the aisle. He was very polite and told us how appreciative he was at seeing us pray. He was especially impressed watching the kids hold hands (as we all do).

Noticing he spoke with a British accent, we asked him where he was from. It turns out he is from England and will turn 92 later this year. He is a WWII veteran and has lived here in the states since 1964. He was part of a group of soldiers that were supposed to be sent on a suicide mission. While he didn’t elaborate on the mission, he did tell me that he was held back thanks to taking a cricket ball to the face. He later learned that all of those on the mission perished, leaving him believing that he had been called to a complete a different mission.

His wife, Miranda, and her twin sister, Georgina (I hope I spelled that right) were also with him. I stepped over to his table to meet them and ask them how they came to be in the states. In very plain and clear English, Miranda pointed to her Ben and said she followed her husband. She went on to speak of befriending American GI’s during the war and always marveled at their enthusiasm when speaking of home.

They boarded the Queen Elizabeth and set sail for New York City. As they approached the harbor, they were alerted to the site that they had only heard of in stories and seen in pictures, the Statue of Liberty.

To hear them talk was a treat I really can’t describe. It’s not every day that you have a piece of history walk right up to your table.

 

Posted in Appreciate, Inspiration, Thankful | 2 Comments

Does it have to be random?

I guess telling him the Beverly tastes good wasn’t exactly an act of kindness.

Why do random acts of kindness have to be random? Why can’t they be a part of our every day life?

I have a friend who has been out of work for over 5 months and didn’t have a good day yesterday. Sure there are many who have been out longer and are in more dire circumstances. I’m just concerned that they may be losing hope. So I posted the following message on Facebook:

Folks, no matter where you stand on the political front, there are some good friends out there who are still out of work and need your support. That support can come in many forms: Take them out for a meal, or invite them over for a movie or take a trip to the mall. You don’t have to spend a dime on anything, but the investment of your time can be priceless.

You with me on this?

So, are you with me? Just the name “random acts of kindness” means (to me) that these acts are not regular. Why not make them regular and with a purpose?

There’s still a lot of work that can be done. Waiting for someone else to make the first move may be too late.

Posted in Hope, Kindness, Random | 1 Comment

Whom do you trust?

Trust much?

May 8, 1886.

Coca-Cola® was first sold at Jacob’s Pharmacy in Atlanta, GA. John Pemberton believed that the drink could cure many diseases including morphine addiction, dyspepsia and neurasthenia.

If you had the supposed cure for certain diseases what would hold you back from sharing your discovery?

I suppose you could be surrounded by unscrupulous madmen who seek to destroy you and your discoveries at any cost.

But who is to blame for that?

Posted in Partners, Trust | 4 Comments

Progress seems limitless

(Photo courtesy of Facebook friend Joyce R.)

Profoundly saddened earlier this week. I learned of the passing of a long time friend. Chuck was an enthusiastic ambassador for the Barbershop Harmony Society. I’ve had the privilege of knowing Chuck and singing with him anytime we saw each other for the last 30 years.

Chuck’s wife Bev had these poetic words as she told of his passing.

“This morning, Chuck Greene left the bounds of his earthly life. His spirit, joy, love, energy and passions will live on in everyone whom he has touched. He was the love of my life, and I was privileged to be a part of his for the last 21 years.

His philosophy in his work was this, “Seek, develop, use and enhance the skills and talents of each member to such an extent that progress seems limitless.” This is what he wished for you. And this is the legacy each one of us can carry forward.

Please remember Chuck with the songs he last sang with you, the excitement he carried, his energy when he directed, the gleam in his eye and the brilliance of his mind. And most of all, the smile in his heart.

Love you all, and thank you for sharing yourself with Chuck and me.”

What a beautiful tribute Bev.

Posted in Encouragement, Service, Thankful | 3 Comments

Privileged or cursed?

I wasn’t using makeup to make me look older.

Made a purchase from the Publix in my shopping center yesterday. Noticed I had a discount given to me. It was only 5% but I’m thankful for the bonus.

Until . . .

I realized it was their Senior Citizen’s discount. Then I just smiled and shook my head. Do I look that old? I’ve got 7 more years until I qualify.

Or should I shut up and be thankful that I got any kind of discount?

I can’t tell if I’ve reached a level of privilege or if I’m cursed to look older than I really am.

Posted in Cursed, Privileged | 2 Comments