I was told yesterday that one of my previous football players was accidentally shot and killed while looking at a friend’s gun. He was 26 years old and the father of two little girls.

This is the second previous player to lose his life while handling a friend’s gun. Both of the guns were legally owned and registered with the Detroit Police Department.

In every large inner city, two kinds of people carry guns. There are those who intend to cause harm and those attempting to protect themselves and loved ones from harm.

Wherever there is poverty, there is violence. It is a vicious circle. Due to the lack of a decent education and the inability to compete for a well paying job, some try to get ahead financially through illegal means.

Will you lift someone up?

If not today, when?

 

My parents had a very strong marriage that endured for 64 years until my father’s death at age 89. They were very devoted to the six of us. I am the oldest and was able to witness their treatment of each other and their devotion to all of us.

The six of us are very different people and we have all married unique individuals. We have, however, maintained a close, loving bond with one another.

If you are struggling in sibling relationships, my advice is that you owe it to your parents whether they are alive or deceased to make every effort to get along. They made great efforts and faced many emotional, psychological and financial challenges building your family.

Remember, there is no such thing as a “Perfect Parent.”

“What the world needs now is love, sweet love!”

If not today, when?

In the beginning of 2018, I was diagnosed with an advanced form of Prostate Cancer. I asked the urologist I had been seeing for 25 years for his recommendation. He said, “My answer is surgery.”

I have a couple friends who had complications from prostrate surgery and I was wary of using that solution. So, I decided to begin calling other hospitals to see if there wasn’t a better approach elsewhere.

I called Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, U of M Medical Center, Northwestern University Hospital, Karmanos Cancer Institute and Beaumont Hospital. I chose Beaumont because it cured prostrate cancer with the insertion and removal of radioactive pellets.

I was cured with NO SIDE EFFECTS!

Have you been diagnosed with a serious medical problem?

DO YOUR HOMEWORK. SHOP AROUND!

If not today, when?

Why didn’t he vote to acquit like the other 52 senators in his party?

It would have been much easier to follow the crowd. Now, he and his family members will be subject to ridicule.

He warned his wife before he announced on the senate floor that he had to keep his promise that he had made to God when he took his oath of office. He swore to be open minded and to follow the facts.

As the Bible says, “He took the road less traveled by.” I’ve told our kids over the years, “If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything!”

Is there anything you’ll stand for regardless of the consequences?

I’ve always believed that is so important to be able to live with yourself and the decisions you make.

How about you?

If not today, when?

I have never asked you for suggested topics before.

I’m asking for the first time because yesterday’s topic: “Don’t Weaponize Your Words” attracted the most readers I have ever had for one topic. The only other blog that even came close was, “The Rejection Of Winston Churchill.”

That leads me to think that there are perhaps many other issues that concern you. If I don’t know the answer to your suggested topic, I’ll do some homework and offer you some thoughts.

I have the time and the passion to explore topics and find relevant answers.

Send your suggested topics to: tomervin50@gmail.com.

I will NEVER identify you as the source of a blog topic!

If not today, when?

People do hurtful things. They also say hurtful things!

Weaponizing our vocabulary is a bad idea that can create bad consequences. Can we agree that we need a kinder, gentler world? If so, the first big step we can take is to de-weaponize our words.

“What the world needs now is love, sweet love. It’s the only thing there’s just too little of. No, not just for some, but for everyone.”

… And kind words and deeds must permeate your relationships with loved ones first and foremost. While facing all the challenges of living in today’s world, we are often hardest on those closest to us.  Please remember that they have a full plate too!

Do you ever apologize? An apology can often open a door that is shut.

Humility will get you much further than pride!

If not today, when?

We have a dog named “Happy.”

My wife picked her out at a shelter. We learned that she had recently delivered a litter of puppies. Thereafter, her owner sent her out onto the streets. When the police found her at 4AM one morning, she was quite malnourished and she took some time in the shelter to recover. As soon as we saw her, my wife named her Happy right then and there because just looking at her made her happy.

All Happy wants to do all day is to give and receive love. Each morning, she greets us with such enthusiasm. It’s like we’ve been gone a year!

Sometimes, when she wants my attention, I push her away. She always forgives me as if she had never been rejected.

Why don’t we treat each other that way?

If not today, when?

I had quite a temper growing up.

Being the oldest of six children, I became accustomed to having my own way. Now that  I’m 78 years old and have lived through many life experiences, I, hopefully, have a better perspective regarding what is truly important.

Because I have been married to an ANGEL for 55 years, I have learned a lot from her.

How about you?

Of course, you can’t ever take back words said in anger. Once spoken, they are sometimes never forgotten.

Our loved ones, friends and co-workers deserve better. We must always keep in mind that those who live with us are coping with their own issues too.

Unfortunately, regular overuse of a temper can become a habit like any other. This habit, however, is more dangerous because it hurts those we love most.

STOP IT!

If not today, when?

I just returned from a doctor appointment and I complimented him on his choice of medicine and the wonderful help he renders to patients everyday. He seemed to be surprised at what I said and was very pleased that I would take the time to express my appreciation.

We had a terrific wait person at a local restaurant recently. She was on top of everything and I told her at the end of the meal that she did a great job of serving our meals. I think that meant more to her than the tip.

On other occasions, after complimenting some vendor, they will say that they don’t hear that very often and it made their day.

You want a gentler, kinder world?

Reach out and show your appreciation to those who render services to you!

If not today, when?

Last night, I watched a movie that was a true story. It was about a young man who was mistakenly identified as a murderer by a witness who was coerced into lying.

He spent 21 years in an upstate New York prison before his family members were able to gather sufficient evidence to free him. According to the makers of the film, there are 120,000 prisoners in the U.S. serving time for crimes they did not commit.

Most of us are always focused on our problems whether they be financial, health related or troubled relationships. Of course, these issues require our attention and deserve solutions.

It is, however, very important that we take a minute to “smell the roses.” Do you appreciate all the things that are RIGHT in your life?

If not today, when?