Friday, October 31, 2014

Happy Halloween 2014

Happy Halloween dear friends and family!

Don't have the photo this cute little guy with his Halloween costume yet, but he is still probably enjoying his Apple Cider from the wedding reception! :)

Thursday, October 30, 2014

Who's making that noise?

When my kids were young I would often ask the question..."Who's making that noise?" It seemed like this was usually late at night when they were suppose to be asleep, or during nap time or maybe even church:)
So when I watched this you tube tonight, it make me think that maybe we should be less critical of the some of the noises that kids make. Maybe just maybe, those noises will make them famous some day!
Good night dear friends!

You can watch it HERE:
When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, ‘I used everything you gave me.’ - Erma Bombeck 20 Funeral Quotes for A Loved One's Eulogy | Urns | Online #death #god #quotes

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Duck Doctrine!


Face It: You’re One Odd Duck

2ducksYou walk in the chapel Sunday and sit by yourself. Even if you’re near someone, you still feel alone.
You look around at others smiling about their weeks and high-speed downloading the delicious details of their interesting lives.
The service begins and you realize your exchange with the usher at the chapel door was your only interaction so far. But honestly, you’re not really sure it counts. After all, he was talking to someone else when you passed by and he didn’t even make eye contact as he extended the canary-colored program into your path.
Can you blame him? That other person’s life sounds much more flavorful.
Face it: You’re one odd duck. And you’re often invisible, swimming in a sea of normal ducks.
8ducksAre you a teen? It’s probably even worse. You walk into school every day and, if you’re lucky, someone will call you by your real name and ask to borrow a pen. But besides that exchange, on most days when you hear your name, it’s preceded by a nickname that flushes your face.
It doesn’t help that nothing you own came from Hollister; your threads came from your brother two summers ago. You’re just different, and no matter how hard you try, you go mostly unnoticed in a high school society that rewards looks, money and athletic ability.
You just wish someone knew that your mother is dying, or that your parents have been fighting round-the-clock and you try not to hear them late at night, but it’s difficult when the shouting is followed by another broken bowl.
Rubber Duck DoctrineOr, perhaps, there is no shouting because your parents hardly speak. The last time you heard someone say “I love you” was from two teens hugging in the hallway.
Sounds familiar?
These ducks are all around us and they come in all ages, colors and sizes. Chances are at some point you’ve been an odd duck, too. Maybe you feel like one today.
Last month while presenting a school assembly at an intermediate school on the East Coast, I took a moment before the students entered the large auditorium and placed a small, scarf-wearing yellow rubber duck on a piano bench on the stage. Before the staff opened the doors, I hopped off and hiked to the side and back rows to see how visible the duck would be from all angles.
You couldn’t miss it.
Rubber Duck DoctrineAbout midway through my presentation, while talking about something completely unrelated, I casually picked up the duck and dropped it into a box that held several other props.
Then, at the end of my remarks, I asked how many of the students had observed something unusual on the stage earlier in the program. Out of several hundred students, only a few hands popped up. A remarkable few had indeed noticed and been curious about the odd, lonely duck.
“I’ve been that duck,” I told them. “And how many of you have ever felt invisible, too?”
Courageous hands everywhere slowly rose.
At different times in my life, I’ve been both the odd duck that almost no one sees and the person too preoccupied to notice.
Rubber Duck DoctrineWhen I was the about the age of my audience, my father died a week before the start of Christmas break. My mother gave me those cold days off to find smooth water before returning to my routine in January. Just before classes ended, she suggested I visit school and pick up some work to both keep my mind busy and to keep my grades from sinking.
I didn’t know how many students were aware my father had died, but I assumed word had circulated and that at least most of the kids in my grade had heard the rumors. I walked in a fog down the hallway, navigating my way to the teacher who’d gathered the assignments.
I’ll never forget it. I wore my father’s heavy wool overcoat and wondered if anyone would say anything to me, how I would respond, or if anyone would see me at all. Rounding a corner on the second floor, a girl I didn’t know emerged from a pack of kids and put her hand on my shoulder: “Are you OK?”
They were probably the first three words she’d ever spoken to me. And though it was more than 20 years ago, I can visualize with Kodachrome clarity exactly where the exchange took place, on what side of the hallway we were on and how it felt for her to notice me. I choked back tears, smiled at her and moved on.
I was the oddest of ducks that day, and she’d seen me. She’d lived the duck doctrine.
Every single day, every single one of us pass by those who feel completely out of place, so different from anyone around them and desperate to simply be recognized. In most cases, the ducks we encounter don’t need trumpet tributes, red carpets or parades.
In a church setting, they don’t want to be embarrassed with questions about where they’ve been, why they’re back or how long they’ve been swimming out at sea all alone.
At school or work, they don’t need to be fawned over or treated as if they are projects-to-be-assembled like some paint-by-number craft or particle board bookcase.
They just need someone to see them and to call them by name. But more importantly, they need to know that God sees them and knows their name, too. In many cases, that might be all they need to feel a little less like a duck, and a lot more like a swan.
It’s the duck doctrine, and take it from a perpetually odd duck, it works.
You can read more of Jason's articles HERE:

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Let's have a Party!

Sunday was the day our little children at church had a program. It is what they share with their parents and the rest of the congregation about what they learn for the year. They did such a great job and it is was fun to see the proud faces of the families in the audience.
We had a treasure box that I had about 20 ribbons tied on. So we told the kids that we had a special surprise for them. We let them know that each time they practiced hard on their songs, that the music director would cut one of the ribbons. The goal was to have them all cut off before the day of the program, so they could see what their surprise was. They were sooo excited.
We decided to use the Rainbow theme since the Treasure Chest was the an important thing for them. Here is what the room looked like ( thanks to my family, and friends for all their help ). The kids were soooooo excited... and I think they felt well rewarded for all of their hard work!
 I was so proud of them!
I love those little guys, they seem to teach us as much as we teach them!
Good night dear friends!


Monday, October 27, 2014

Friends!

Today, I got to have lunch with two wonderful friends today. How blessed I am for such wonderful friends and realize no matter what life gives you...if you have the love of family and friends, I believe you are pretty rich.
Then later today I was able to go over and stay with one of my neighbors today and this evening. She has been sick for over a year and  and so we have been over there as much as we can, to let her husband get a break.
Yesterday he got sick. So we are trying hard to help. I am so proud of our neighborhood, everyone is trying to do all that they can. It is nice to know we all have each other's back. Yes, we are blessed to be in a neighborhood like this. On Halloween we will have just moved in here 12 years...I am soooo grateful!
Good Night dear friends!

15 Quotes That Show That Mr. Rogers Was A Perfect Human Being

Thursday, October 23, 2014

It's a scary time of the year!

I was interested in this article, since this year I am trying very hard to stay healthy...especially during the flu season! Since we are talking about scary things... this close to Halloween, thought this is something everyone should read. I think my kids had all 3 of these medical problems, more than once in their life!
Motherhood is tough, but some times just knowing that your kid is not the only one going through it...can be a huge relief on your heart. The one that scared me the worst ( with each child ) was the Night Terrors. There is just something about being woken in the middle of the night to your child screaming, that is scarier than any Halloween costume!
So get ready for this season Moms!
Good Night dear friends!


Story sponsored by

3 'scary' medical problems for kids

  • .
By Melinda Rogers
For University of Utah Health Care BrandView
Published: Wednesday, Oct. 22 2014 2:00 p.m. MDT

   
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It's that time of year when creating the perfect look as a ghost or goblin means your child might win an award for best costume at a Halloween carnival.
Dressing up to appear scary is one thing but when a health condition causes red, itchy skin or watery eyes with a fever that creeps on unexpectedly, the problems can make mom and dad's heart jump more than any ghoul hiding in the shadows.
University of Utah Health Care's Nathan Bexfield, M.D., gives a rundown of some common ailments that can give parents a scare and offers tips for helping little trick-or-treaters get on the mend in time to enjoy one of the most fun holidays of the year.
Fifth Disease
One minute your child's skin is normal and the next thing you know, what appears to be a series of red welts have erupted. For a second, you wonder if your child has been slapped in the face.
But if other mild symptoms appear, such as a low grade fever, headache, runny nose, sore throat, itching and nausea, there's a chance your child could have Fifth Disease.
Fifth Disease is a viral illness that causes a condition called an exanthem, which is another name for a rash or skin eruption. Fifth disease is also known as "slapped cheek" disease because the rash can cause a child's cheeks to become quite red.
Fifth disease is spread from one child to another through direct contact with fluid from the nose and throat. It can also be spread through contact with infected blood. It is moderately contagious.
It's caused by the human parvovirus B19 and if your child picks it up during the winter months, he or she isn't alone. The disease is most common in the winter and spring among school-aged children.
Symptoms usually show up four to 14 days after being exposed to the disease. About 80 percent of children have very mild symptoms for about a week before getting the rash.
About 20 percent will have no symptoms at all before the rash appears. The rash generally starts on a child's cheeks but spreads to the trunk, arms and legs. It lasts about four days.
Physicians usually treat symptoms of Fifth Disease, but because it's a viral infection, there isn't a cure.
"We often recommend drinking fluids, taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen and using an antihistamine for itching," said Bexfield.
"It's also helpful to practice basic hygiene practices, like hand-washing with soap, and for little kids, remembering to cover their mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing."
He noted that pregnant women should try to avoid exposure to children diagnosed with Fifth Disease if possible.
"If a pregnant woman has been exposed to parvovirus, she should tell her obstetrician," he said.
Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease
What is Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease?
It's an illness caused by a virus that results in a distinctive rash. It causes small, blister-like bumps in the mouth, and a rash on the palms of the hands and feet.
The rash may also appear in the diaper area and on the legs and arms. The lesions in the mouth usually appear at the back of the throat.
Like Fifth Disease, Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease is caused by a virus. It's common in children, particularly children younger than age 10. It is seen most often in the summer and fall.
The virus is usually spread through fecal-oral contact, although other modes of transmission have been reported.
    "Unfortunately Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease is highly contagious. It's not uncommon to see outbreaks occur in daycares or in other places where young children are in close contact," said Bexfield.
    Symptoms include blister-like bumps in the mouth (usually near the throat and tonsils), the feet, and the diaper area, and rash on the arms and legs. Young children may also display a fever, lack an appetite and generally behave out-of-sorts.
    Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease is usually diagnosed through a visit to a health care provider. The rash and mouth blisters of hand-foot-and-mouth disease are unique, and usually allow for a diagnosis simply on physical exam. A swab of the throat or stool could be sent to the laboratory for testing, but results often take two weeks or more.
    There is no specific treatment for Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease, although increasing fluid intake, allowing for rest and using approved pain relievers can help with symptoms. In some cases, physicians may recommend an anesthetic mouth rinse to help with pain in a child's mouth.
    Night Terrors
    It seems like your child is in a blissful state, fast asleep after a long day. But just when you're finally finding some time to relax on your own, you're jolted by screams from your child's bedroom to find him screaming, kicking and thrashing all while he's still apparently asleep.
    The culprit may be a night terror, which is a partial waking from sleep where a child is frightened, but cannot be awakened. The child's eyes are open, but a parent often can't get him or her to pay attention.
    After anywhere for a couple minutes to a half-hour, the child usually falls back to sleep and often doesn't remember a thing in the morning (while you might still be worried about what happened).
    Night terrors, however, are common, says Bexfield. He recommends parents do the following to help a child through a night terror:
    •Try to help your child return to normal sleep. Do not try to awaken your child. Make soothing comments. Hold your child if it seems to help him or her feel better. Shaking or shouting at your child may cause the child to become more upset.
    •Protect your child against injury. During a night terror, a child can fall down a stairway, run into a wall, or break a window. Try to gently direct your child back to bed.
    •Prepare babysitters for these episodes. Explain to people who care for your child what a night terror is and what to do if one happens.
    •Try to prevent night terrors. A night terror can be triggered if your child becomes overly-tired. Be sure your child goes to bed at a regular time, and early enough to give him or her enough sleep. Younger children may need to return to a daily nap.
    He also suggests making an appointment with a pediatrician if night terrors continue to interrupt a child's sleep on a regular basis, or if a child does something dangerous during an episode.
    "While unsettling, night terrors are generally not harmful," said Bexfield. "But if they seem to be occurring on a frequent basis, it never hurts to get in touch with a doctor to talk more about the problem.
    Found the article HERE:
    PS Remember that Motherhood is tough...but you are tougher!
    A funny quote about good sleep. I'm playing that game where the floor is made of lava, so I obviously can;t get out of my bed or I'll die.

    Wednesday, October 22, 2014

    Don't forget to smile!

    I read this quote and thought how true it is. Let's face it, some days it is just hard to smile. Especially if you let all the negative things you've experienced lately, become the main thing you think about. Pretty soon, it becomes a burden and a heartache and ... you are no longer smiling.
    But I know from personal experience, if we stop thinking as much about those things, and think about all the people and blessings in our lives...it is hard not to smile. The truth is most of us have a lot to smile about if we think of it. And when we realize that if we are sad and carrying big burdens around then we are no longer smiling and chances are ... we really aren't changing the world for that day. This was a great lesson for me.
    I had a dear friend come and visit, that I haven't seen in a couple of years. It was if we had never been apart. I realized then, how blessed I am to have soooo many dear, dear friends.
     I need to remember them and all my blessings and bring that smile back onto my face and keep going!
    Smile always
    Good night dear friends!

    Monday, October 20, 2014

    Happy Thoughts!

    Today was one of those Bigger Than Me Days! Can't quite put my finger on it, but just have a lot of things that are weighing heavy on my heart right now. Things that are beyond my control.
    So I thought I would leave you with a few Happy Thoughts (ones actually that I need )!
    Thanks for your friendship and love, it means the world to me.
    Good night dear friends!


    Today is important quote

    .You CAN face any challenge

    love quote,quotes,quote,quotes image,quotes picture,quote photo,sayings,quote about love www.womans-heaven...

    Sunday, October 19, 2014

    Just keep growing!

    A great thought for today!
    Good night dear friends!

    LDS General Conference Elder Godoy. #ldsconf #lds #quotes

    Saturday, October 18, 2014

    Making new friends!


    Glad to hear that I am not the only one that makes friends...any where they go!

    Warning! At road closures, do not remain in vehicle

    Linda Sledd and Jason Wright
    Do you remember that one time I was halfway through a 10-day, 50 store tour across eight states in the west? Then, as I was racing toward my last event of the day, 700 miles from where I started the morning, I hit a road closure for rock blasting at Snoqualmie Pass outside Seattle?
    Oh yeah, that was Tuesday.
    With folks waiting for me at the Deseret Book location in nearby Bellevue, Washington, I approached the temporary closure on I-90 that gave me two options. I could turn the car off and sit it out, or I could take a detour that my GPS estimated would take four hours across 200 miles. The detour would launch me so far off the path to the north that I’d need a passport and Frommer’s guide to Saskatchewan.
    50 Store TourAfter having already spent 12 hours in the car on a journey that began in Boise Idaho, I chose the closure and put it in park.
    While waiting, I made phone calls to the publisher and bookstore to let them know we’d need to push the event to the next morning. I hated knowing there were people waiting in the store and others on the way who likely wouldn’t be able to attend during regular business hours the next day because of work and family responsibilities.
    As I sat in the car lamenting my misfortune, I remembered all the folks during the last week who made considerable sacrifice to see me.
    Wonderful readers waited as long as two hours when the schedule hung me out to dry. Others drove long distances only to see me dash in and out of the store with so little time all we could do was shake hands, take a photo and express gratitude for one another.
    In Utah last week, one longtime reader chased me to several stores, each time arriving just minutes after I’d left. Eventually they gave up with a shrug and smile. “Next time!” They said to me on Facebook.
    In Idaho this weekend, a faithful reader drove from Rexburg to Ammon to find I was already on the freeway by the time she walked in the bookstore. But there were no complaints and no regrets; in each case they simply made the best of it.
    Sitting in the stunning Snoqualmie canyon, I looked around and thought, what would these readers do? The answer was pretty obvious.
    At road closures, they would not remain in the vehicle.
    I stretched my legs and stood in that clean, crisp air, the kind that feels like it’s healing your lungs.
    I looked at the SUV behind me and smiled.
    Before I could even take a step toward it, the woman on the passenger’s side saw me and was hopping out to say hello.
    Her name was Linda Sledd, and the beautiful smile on her face said she’s familiar with turning delays into delights.
    “Do you have any books?” she asked with a laugh.
    After introductions and an explanation of the lettering on the back of my rental car promoting the #50storetour, we dove down to the business of books, family, trips and writing. Her husband Dana soon joined us and the conversation comfortably rolled on, even if traffic didn’t.
    I learned that the Sledd’s have a young granddaughter, Alicia, who’s an aspiring writer and is already working on her first novel. I signed a book for her and promised to be at her first signing someday.
    We talked about Seattle’s weather, my daughter Oakli at Brigham Young University and the oddity of me driving a rental car from Phoenix to Seattle and back to San Diego.
    “I’m so glad I got out of the car,” I told her.
    Before we said goodbye with handshakes and hugs, I plied them with books and treats from my car – gummy bears, of course – and through the canyon we went.
    Certainly, this adventure has produced a long list of memories sure to linger for months and years to come. But this one will always sit high in the altitude above the best experiences of this trip and most others.
    When life hands my readers and friends – the terms are synonymous – detours and delays, they don’t withdraw and complain. They engage, exchange and learn. They make the best of every delay.
    Some of the most interesting and memorable people we might ever meet aren’t the ones in the next cubicle, the pew behind us in church or next-door to us in the cul-de-sac.
    They might be behind us in line in the grocery store or in the doctor’s office waiting room.
    Or, maybe, they’re sitting in an SUV on I-90 in a canyon. And, if that’s true, we better get out of the car.
    I found the story HERE:

    Making More Memories!

    Angie was off school yesterday and today, and so you know what the means...she was hoping to come to my house and spend some time. I was excited all week for the girls to come (and of course Amy too) and spend the whole day and evening together. Amy helped me in redecorating my room, we made some projects in my sewing room, had Christmas music playing throughout the house ( that was totally my idea...but in my defense, it is my house ) and had homemade Pumpkin Butter cooking in the crock pot. Yes, it was a day of fun, creating and hopefully many memories!
    Displaying Image-1.jpg

    Angie is 8 and I wonder how many more years she will want to come to Nana's house on her days off? Maybe not too many more, so I feel like when they all come over that I want to make as many memories as we can. And that is exactly what we did today, it was so much fun!


     I meant to say and we watched a movie ! It's late and I am pretty tired, happy ...but tired!
    We let Amy and John go on their Date Night tonight, while we watched the girls. Audrey was pretty funny and I was lucky to get some fun photos of her and her baby! In case you haven't read my other posts and wonder why this is such a big deal? It is because her 2 older sisters never really liked dolls much, they totally prefer Dinosaurs! That's why this was such a big treat tonight to watch her rock, sing to, pray with and feed her sweet baby!

    So it was a great day. I wish that Kai lived closer so we could have lots of Memory Days like this. Well, we did have some of those when he was here for 2 weeks, but his Nana still misses him!
    I am grateful to be a Nana, never thought I could love anyone like my own children...but I do!
    Going to bed with a grateful heart that I have this time with my sweet grandchildren. Yes, I am very blessed and I hope these Memories will stay in their hearts for years to come!

    Thursday, October 16, 2014

    Packages!

    There is something to be said about getting a package in the mail, on your birthday, or at Christmas! Why is it so exciting?  I think it is because you  usually you don't know what is in it? There is an  excitement about wondering about what could possible be inside. It also makes you feel special, because you know someone thought enough about you to buy, make and send you something special.



    Today there was a package on the front porch when I got home. It had my name on it, but I just assumed it was for Lauren and Nik's wedding. When Jeff came home he asked me what it was. I told him it was probably for the newlyweds, then I opened it and found this on the package!
















     How fun to read something that says this when you open it! I think every gift should come in in a package that says..." Open Me For Instant Happiness", because no matter what it is...don't you hope that they feel that way about any gift you send, make and give from your heart?

     What a fun gift, and how neat to realize it was for me! It was a very thoughtful gift from a dear friend. It was something that I could use and actually needed.
    So I guess you could say, I love making and sending gifts, but ultimately when they open it, I hope they feel like I did...INSTANT HAPPINESS ...for a friendship that has meant a lot to me. That is truly the gift!


    Life is so busy and full, it was a great reminder to me to stop and take the time to make, buy or give someone you care about a gift, I don't think it has to be big or expensive...just from your heart. 
    Remember that is the real present!
    Good night dear friends!

    Wednesday, October 15, 2014

    Food for thought!

    I love those quotes that make stop and think!
    Good Night dear friends!

    FREE printable kitchen art  #upliftandinspiRe

    how to forgive

    Tuesday, October 14, 2014

    Pumpkin Everything!

    I have to say that this is one of my most favorite times of the year...FALL! I love the weather, the fall colors and I love Pumpkin everything!
    "Fall has always been my favorite season. The time when everything bursts with its last beauty, as if nature had been saving up all year for the grand finale." -Lauren DeStefano | Via Babble

     I was drawing some Pumpkin cards the other day and then decided that I wanted to make something Pumpkin to eat

    Jeff and I tried a new recipe each. He loves Split Pea Soup, I tried to make a healthier version and it came out great. Then I also made a Pumpkin Oat breakfast dish and Jeff made an incredible Pumpkin Cornbread...so yes, it is fall, Pumpkin Season and I am loving
    it!!!!










    Autumn Days Pictures, Photos, and Images for Facebook, Tumblr, Pinterest, and Twitter

    Monday, October 13, 2014

    Movie Night!

    Tonight Jeff and I went to see the movie called "MEET THE MORMONS" Now you may wonder why I am going to a movie, about what I believe but it is great because I am proud to say... that it really was a wonderful way for anyone to see and understand what we believe. It even addressed all the misconceptions about our beliefs, and I think that could be really helpful to teach people.
    So I would suggest anyone who ever had any questions about what I believe, that you should go to this movie. You can watch the previews HERE:

    I would invite you to go see it, so that you could at least understand what Mormons really believe.

    I believe that the Lord expects all of us to treat each other with respect. I think he expects us to teach our children and our grand children to not to exclude anyone... because of religious, political or cultural differences. I am grateful to be a Mormon, grateful for my beliefs, they are what makes me who I am. My beliefs are what gives me HOPE and a HAPPINESS... that is everything to me. I hope you find the time to go see it.



    Good night dear friends!
    .


    Saturday, October 11, 2014

    Looking for the good ...is always a better choice!

    I am grateful for any example of those people in the world...who look for the good in others. I think it is always a better choice and a great way to live our lives!
    Have a great day dear friends!
    Open Letter to an Unknown Driver in Woodstock, Virginia
    imageDear Unknown Driver:
    On September 10, 2014, sometime between 8 and 10 p.m., you were driving northbound on Rt. 11 – Main Street – in Woodstock, Virginia. You were right in front of our quaint, small town movie theatre in the heart of Shenandoah County.
    Of course, you know that part already.
    You drifted to the right on the two-lane road, side-swiped my parked car, and sent my side mirror sailing 40 feet down the street.
    You know that part, too.
    What you don’t know, because you didn’t stick around, is that I was inside working just a few feet away and wouldn’t discover the damage until I left for the night. I rarely work late, but I’ve been crashing on a couple of deadlines and needed to stretch my day.
    After seeing no note, no business card and having no clue who might have breakdanced with my car, I made a call across the street to the police station. Not surprisingly, they were there in two minutes.
    The officers were consummate professionals. They circled the car, took pictures and asked questions. Despite it being fairly minor, they treated it with both seriousness and courtesy.
    When I expressed surprise that someone would cause this kind of damage without taking responsibility, the men shook their heads and one of them said, flatly, “People just aren’t honest anymore.”
    Soon the officers rolled on and I was crawled in my car window to make the short drive home. Sure, I was frustrated to know I would be dealing with police reports, insurance and a body shop for the next week, but what really bothered me was their assessment.
    “People just aren’t honest anymore.”
    It’s been two days and I can’t stop thinking about it.
    I also can’t stop thinking about what would have happened if you’d left a note, called the police or even knocked on my office door. (Mine is street level and the lights were on.)
    You don’t know this, because you didn’t give me a chance, but I would have shaken your hand and expressed gratitude that no one was hurt.
    I would have asked for your insurance information, and, if you were uninsured, I would have helped find a solution. If you’re a teen and you were driving your parents’ car and worried about the fallout, I would have offered to make the phone call for you.
    As we gathered up the glass and broken bits, I would have asked about your family and told you about mine. I likely would have made a dumb joke about my daughter’s small Drivers Ed dent in the bumper that pre-dates your late night automotive side-hug.
    Maybe you don’t even live in the area. Maybe you were passing through, staying at a local hotel or visiting a friend. If so, we could have played the who-do-you-know game and been reminded what a small world we live in.
    Most importantly, I would have thanked you for being honest and for doing the right thing. I would’ve told you that the world is too cynical and in my experience, most people are inherently good. There are exceptions, naturally, but most people thrive when we assume the best in them.
    The words still ring in my ears. “People just aren’t honest anymore.”
    With all due respect to these fine police officers, I disagree. I think the planet is brimming with good, honest people who far outnumber those who cheat, lie and steal.
    We were raised by them.
    We work with them.
    They’re our neighbors.
    They’re everywhere!
    Look – how many times in my own life have I needed a few more minutes than most to choose the right? Plenty.
    It’s never too late to do the right thing. And just because it’s the oldest cliché in the book doesn’t mean it isn’t true. Thankfully, life isn’t scored by the halftime tally. We’ve all got until the final whistle.
    Look me up on Facebook, drop me an email or knock on my office door and we’ll do our very best to work it out. We can even compare all the dumb things we’ve done. I bet my list is longer than yours.
    “People just aren’t honest anymore.”
    Malarkey – let’s prove them wrong.
    Sincerely,
    Jason
    You can read more of Jason's article HERE: