Let’s first begin with the original purpose of Labor Day:

Today celebrates the skill, determination of the American workforce.

And their integral role in the nation’s success!

So, like every national holiday, it is a celebration of something important to each of us.

Because many businesses are closed today, it seems we should rest.

How about you?

It seems to me that we should honor all those workers who have gone before us.

Let’s do what this holiday intended.

Let’s not work today!

You might say I’m working by writing my blog.

2,200 blogs later, it remains a labor or love!

He was an exchange student from Dresden, Germany.

From the very first day, you could see he was full of life.

He made a one year commitment to live with our son’s family.

Whenever we suggested that we do something, he’d say, “Why not?”

He was an incoming freshman in high school and enrolled in the same school as our grandson.

Because our grandson played on the freshman football team, Martin played also.

He had never played American football, but became the starting defensive safety.

Likewise, he joined the wrestling team with our grandson.

When we decided on a sailing trip to Cedar Point, Ohio, he joined in.

He was a great joy for our entire family and continued the relationship after returning to his home in Dresden!

Here’s my latest scam!

I wrote a book 5 years ago and filed it with the U.S. Trademark office.

I get a phone call today identifying himself as an employee of the U.S. Trademark office.

He said someone else is trying register my book’s name.

He said that for $795 he can block the other person’s registration.

Two hours later, he called again saying he could register my book for a reduced price of $500.

I know the U.S. Trademark Office doesn’t chase authors around trying to get them to register.

Further, I know it doesn’t offer discounts.

Be careful when something sounds too good!

I hope you do!

Here are some things to consider if you don’t:

Maybe the money is so good that you don’t dare think of leaving.

Maybe you have built strong friendships in the company and don”t want to leave them.

Maybe the remote work at home fits in with family needs and you can’t leave.

So, even though this is not the perfect job, you can’t leave for the reasons above.

If, however, you want to look around for a better opportunity, don’t quit till you have the new job locked up.

And remember, no new job and working environment is perfect!

… because you still have to work with PEOPLE!

(Helen Keller)

Helen Keller was a political activist, author and lecturer who overcame deafness and blindness.

She became a prominent 20th century humanitarian & disability rights advocate.

She was the first deafblind person to earn a bachelor’s degree.

She graduated cum laude from Radcliffe College in 1904.

I told you her story because I want you to know the power of optimism!

She is one of our granddaughters.

After four outstanding years in college pursuing a degree, the little bird is ready to fly.

She worked hard trying to find work in her chosen profession.

Today, the answer came and it is a “YES!”

Everyone is happy, but, she is leaving the nest and flying away to a distant city.

She is the last bird to fly away from that nest.

She will be missed!

Many people might feel they don’t have enough.

I guess the appropriate question is, “How much is enough?”

Enough of what?

Money? Fame? Good Health? People Who Love Us?

I guess the word ENOUGH carries a different meaning for each of us.

I hope you have enough.

And are grateful for it!

If not today, when?

How about you?

It may be little things like opening the door for you.

Or allowing you to enter a lane when driving.

I just think it is basic to human nature to be kind to one another.

I’m sensing, however, a trend of unkind treatment of nurses and others who serve the public.

We attended a wedding anniversary at a banquet hall recently.

The owner came up to us and told us that his servers were very well treated.

And it was a pleasure to serve “such nice people!”

BE KIND!

If not today, when?

A recent national survey of registered voters in the US conducted by Fairleigh Dickinson University found a quarter of men under 30 bet on sports online.

And 10% of men ages 18-30 have a gambling problem, compared to just 3% of the overall population.

In that survey, 68% of people who bet on sports online reported at least one gambling behavior that’s considered harmful.

These include borrowing money to gamble.

And saying that gambling has caused financial or emotional problems. (CNN)

Are you a good listener?

Our recently deceased brother was a very good listener.

In order to be a good listener, I think you must have a genuine interest in the other person.

Our brother showed he was interested in me and what I had to say.

And his kind attention drew us closer.

It takes effort on your part to become a better listener.

And it will strengthen your relationship.

If not today, when?