We’ve never had an election where our country’s future is so uncertain.

And uncertainty brings tension.

I’ve heard that some people are delaying certain purchases pending the outcome.

People deal with stress differently.

Regardless, we’ll wake up the morning after the election and go about our lives.

There will be things to be done and bills to pay.

I hope the diviseness can be put behind us.

We’ll see.

Do you mean a lie?

What happened to the old words that were easily understood?

Well, we don’t use them because we want to confuse the listener.

Remember: “Oh, I misspoke!”

That sounds like the words spoken were an accident.

MSISINFORMATION IS NOT AN ACCIDENT!

It’s a deliberate lie with a nice sounding word that softens intent.

That’s the world we live in now!

President Harry Truman was a plain spoken man.

People used to to say, “Give ‘Em Hell Harry!”

Our political leaders lie to us everyday and get away with it … because it’s only MISINFORMATION!

I have a bronze statue of Winston Churchill on my desk.

I think I’ve read everything written about him.

President Roosevelt has said Churchill is “The greatest man who ever lived.”

A few weeks ago, my dear wife found a book entitled, “Clementine.”

It is the riveting, true story of Mrs. Winston Churchill.

Early in the 1940’s, England stood alone against the Nazi tyranny that engulfed Europe.

Winston, with Clementine’s support, had the courage to rally the British people at its worst hour.

It describes how a marriage in turmoil can still succeed!

It was the greatest example of patriotism the world has ever seen!

The book is a “must read.”

If not today, when?

We were in O’Hare yesterday morning on our way back to Detroit.

The airport is named after LCDR Edward “Butch” O’Hare, a U.S. Navy Medal of Honor recipient from WWII.

It was previously a Douglas Aircraft assembly plant.

O’Hare has 953 daily flights to 165 cities.

It is the most connected airport in the U.S. and 5th most connected in the world.

United Airlines (including United Express) is the largest airline at O’Hare.

It carries 45% of the daily passengers.

It is an amazing thing to witness.

We’re glad to be home!

Meeting a person for the first time is usually quite pleasant.

People are on their” “best behavior” as they say.

If the first meeting is followed by more meetings, facts begin to emerge.

Those facts can be opinions which are the result of previous experiences.

Most people’s adult lives are a reflection of their upbringing.

If they did not have good parenting, they won’t know what good parenting is.

…And their role as a parent will be a difficult learning experience.

Hopefully, the other parent, who hopefully was raised well, can be an example of that role with their children.

What I mean by “raised well” is a child of a stable, loving environment.

My only advice is to know the history of the person you may have children with before you do.

Do you keep your promises?

Keeping a promise is a powerful way to nurture trust.

It also builds character and brings you closer to the promisee!

Keeping a promise also enhances your self-respect.

Promises can begin with small things like promising to meet a friend at a certain time.

A more serious promise can build or end a relationship.

So, a promise should not be given if your intent or ability to keep a promise isn’t there.

This is especially true when promising “To have and to hold from this day forward…”

 

 

Definition: The ability to act in accordance with one’s values and ethics even when faced with the possibility of negative consequences. (Doing what’s right.)

This is particularly needed by today’s parents.

With the advent of social media, today’s kids have many decisions they can make.

They are really being exposed to choices they should not have to consider.

Try to raise your children to have courage so they will be able to stand up and make good decisions.

Believe it or not, courage begins at about age 2!!! Teach your child to face their fears and make decisions at a very early age.

For instance, if a child is afraid of thunder or of a dog or even tasting a new food, help her to face the challenge and get past it. Celebrate the conquer of the fear with her. Continue to do it during her whole childhood.

That’s another reason the parent’s role is so important.

You must show, by your example, the moral courage your kids need.

This is a tough time to be a parent, but it is what it is.

“Till death do us part.”

Really?

Most marriages today don’t end that way.

They end somewhere along the way.

I am not a certified marriage consultant.

The only credentials I have is the fact that we have been married 60 years.

The most important piece of advice is, “Happy Wife-Happy Life!”

In order to have a “Happy Wife” the husband must park his “Male Ego” on the front porch.

The wife is and will always be the HEART of the family.

Also, ANY disagreement you have today ends tonight.

…and is never mentioned be either party again.

Don’t let the kids come between the two of you.

The two of you must discuss the issue privately and agree to a response.

I hope you find these thoughts helpful.

 

 

 

 

Active listening is a technique that requires complete focus on the person speaking to you.

Your conversation is an active one when you repeat something said to confirm understanding.

It helps to keep you from offering solutions or opinions when the other person just wants to be heard.

An active listener is fully present in the conversation.

You must establish eye contact to show you aren’t distracted by anything.

The person speaking isn’t necessarily looking for your advice.

It requires a strong commitment on your part.

This technique can build strong relationships with: your spouse, your kids, friends and co-workers. (verywellmind.com)

If not today, when?

Tarik Skubal is a starting pitcher for the Detroit Tigers.

He is a leading candidate for the prestigious Cy Young award.

He is the winningest pitcher in the American League this year.

Yesterday, in the American League Division Series, he gave up a grand slam home run.

It was the first time in his career.

He threw a pitch that hit the previous batter.

I think he was very upset about that when he faced the next batter.

I want him to know how much his fans appreciate all his efforts this season.

Thank you Tarik! Thank You!