Habits are hard to break!

With the advent of texting and email, we have often substituted them for the phone call.

I realize that sending a text is more time expedient than a phone call of uncertain duration.

I guess it depends on what your priorities happen to be.

The irony today is that a phone call takes on more importance than it did before all this high tech because the receiver actually hears the voice of the friend or relative.

It tells the receiver that the sender is willing to give up some personal time in order to reach out.

This is particularly true if the receiver lives alone.

In these uncertain times, I think we should make more phone calls so we can stay close to friends and loved ones.

If not today, when?

Performing acts of kindness and helping other people can be good for people’s health and well-being.

That’s according to new research published by the American Psychological Association. 

The strength of the link depends on many factors, including the type of kindness, the definition of well-being, and the giver’s age, gender, and other demographic factors.

“Prosocial behavior—altruism, cooperation, trust, and compassion—are all necessary ingredients of a harmonious and well-functioning society,” said lead author Bryant P.H. Hui, PhD, a research assistant professor at the University of Hong Kong.

“It is part of the shared culture of humankind, and our analysis shows that it also contributes to mental and physical health.”

Previous studies have suggested that people who engage in more prosocial behavior are happier and have better mental and physical health than those who don’t spend as much time helping others.  (goodnewsnetwork.org)

I hope you will allow me to digress and celebrate Notre Dame’s victory over Clemson last night 47-40 in the second overtime!

I was born in South Bend and my dear Dad was a professor at ND.

I knew many of the players like Johnny Lattner who won the Heisman Trophy in 1953!

I played golf with my Dad on the ND golf course every summer!

I sold programs at all ND home games in the years I was 14 and 15 years old!

I remember when the Texas team came to play. The visitors were big oil men who wore big cowboy hats and boots. They were big tippers!

I delivered the Chicago Tribune newspaper every morning. One of my customers was Mrs. Knute Rockne! When I walked to her door, I felt I was on hallowed ground!

I wish every child in the world could have the shear happiness I had growing up under the shadow of THE GOLDEN DOME!

I think we can all exhale now that there will be no more political ads until the next election.

The big winners of this election were the TV stations that reaped in millions and millions.

We live in a time when misinformation is rampant!

Even though the ads are done, misinformation is alive and well on the internet.

How are we going to discern fact from fiction?

It has become a serious threat to our democracy.

Those who are spreading falsehoods are determined to destroy our way of life.

It is incumbent upon us to have level heads and dismiss those things that are simply not true.

As imperfect as a democracy is, it beats a dictatorship every day in every way.

Leave your children a nation that allows them to pursue their dreams in freedom!

If not today, when?

There are an estimated 37,085 homeless veterans living in the United States. Forty percent of these homeless veterans live in places “not suitable for human habitation.”

22,740 veterans were sheltered, while 14,345 veterans were unsheltered. Most homeless veterans were without children.

Los Angeles, a city known for opulent homes and wealthy movie stars, is home to the highest count of homeless veterans by a huge margin. Nearly 8,000 veterans live on Los Angeles streets.

San Diego, the city with the second-highest number of veterans, has less than half that number.

The State of Washington is most helpful to veterans.

Let’s remember that all of these veterans were volunteers. The U.S. no longer has the draft.

How did these veterans end up like this? It had to be the result of what they experienced in combat.

Can we do better for those who put themselves in “HARM’S WAY” on our behalf?

If not today, when?

In my opinion, Winston Churchill was the greatest person who ever lived in the 20th Century!

His childhood was one of complete abandonment by both of his parents.

He grew up in a boarding school and finished his education in a military academy.

His father constantly verbally abused him by saying he would never amount to anything.

His suffering was unfortunate for him, but good for the future of the world! It steeled him for the lonely leadership of the free world from 1939 until D-Day, June 6th, 1944.

I have observed suffering in the lives of various people throughout my life.

Although unwelcome, I have concluded that it develops fortitude that can lead to great achievement as a result.

So, if you have endured suffering in your life, you have built a reservoir of courage that can enable you to lead a successful life!

If not today, when!

“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

LET FREEDOM RING!!

Unlike many countries throughout the world, you happen to live in America where you can choose your leaders.

Choose them wisely because they will create the world your children and grandchildren must live in.

This year, I’ve never seen such a high percentage of false political advertising.

Our country was not built on lies, but hard won truths.

Through two world wars and the great depression, our ancestors delivered the American Dream still intact.

Now it’s up to us to preserve it for future generations.

If you don’t vote, you have lost your right to complain about the outcome of ELECTION DAY!

If the freedom bell is to keep on ringing, you must be the bell ringer by voting!

This opportunity comes along only once every four years.

The future is in your hands!

VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!

These are the most chaotic times that affect all people worldwide.

Everyone is a possible victim of this pandemic. It threatens the wellbeing of our children and grand children.

What is our proper approach to this threat as parents?

Young people are strongly influenced by factors we can’t control. So, what can we do?

Show our kids that we take this virus seriously by following the advice of medical professionals.

Demonstrate stability in our personal behavior.

Reassure family members that we will get through this.

Regardless of your religious or non-religious affiliation, seek the assistance of our Creator.

As a parent, we are role models and must become the port in the storm.

In these uncertain times, we are either the problem or the solution.

Choose one!

If not today, when?

Last Thursday, I thought I might have symptoms of Covid -19.

So, I dropped into an urgent care facility near me for a test.

The receptionist told me that they had already tested 89 people so far that day.

Although I had to wait three hours to be seen, I had the most wonderful experience upon meeting the Physician Assistant who was in charge.

Her name is Toni.

I was seen very late in the day and I could see that everyone on the staff was tired.

Toni, however, was totally focused on me and my symptoms. Because I had underlying conditions, she was very methodical in checking my vitals.

She exhibited compassion even though I was just another patient at the end of a long day.

I tested negative.

I have hope for the future now that I have met Toni!

Bless her and all those like her!