|
|
|
Dear (Contact First Name),
| |
Close your eyes, think back in time and remember Valentine's Day when you were a child. Valentines on your desk or in your school locker were read and counted, saved and reread. Then already a valentine was a special thing. You gave no valentine without consideration and received none without noticing.
 Each Valentine's day our mailing list changes as we gain new friends, lose some old friends and always send cards to our children and grandchildren. We retell our love and our happy wishes for them.
Just before Valentine's Day this year I was moved to tears by a tribute my friend wrote to his parents. When I read Jim Soviero's thoughts in "The Legacy We Cannot Afford to Leave" which is published here below, I was reminded of the sacrifices and examples of my own parents and knew we Seniors would all wish to send Valentines to our parents.
I know that few seniors are as fortunate as I to have my parents still with me. I can address their valentine card to the house where I grew up, picture my Dad bringing in the mail and know they will both read and enjoy it. My brothers and sister and I have been so blessed and we take no part of that for granted.
But whether your valentine to your parents is sent through the mail or cherished in your heart it speaks from the days and years of your parents loving and caring, their sacrifices and teaching, their encouragement and disappointments. The times they rejoiced in your successes and stood with you when you failed guided you then and gladden you now.
 And so I send a valentine to my parents who gave me constant and loving care and guidance, a rock solid moral foundation and the example of hard work, high standards and never giving up.
When Mom broke her hip and had to miss her grandson's wedding, she and Dad spent the afternoon at the rehab center and later posed for me wearing their flowers I brought from the wedding.
And then we played a few hands of euchre.
Dad visited Mom every day until she could return home and he even managed some rounds of golf now and then. Just last week, at their great-grandson, Adam's, first birthday Mom and Dad were able to give that little guy a good helping of love and attention, the kind that helps children thrive. And my brother Jerry was there to help and to enjoy it all as the jokes and laughter surely flew around the house since there is never a straight line or a straight face in this family ever.
Could we even imagine parents like mine living in every home in America, loving and caring for and educating and guiding the children under their roof? What if every child had parents who took them to church and lived those teachings every day? What if every child had parents who believed that he could and should work hard and succeed and make them proud?
We had generations of parents before us who held closely to their children, their marriage and their homes. We had parents who knew that life was not perfect and they were not perfect either, but had the moral and personal convictions to work through life's challenges, ride out the hardest of times and put their children and
responsibilities first.
No amount of money, no video games, no trip to Disney can give our children and grandchildren a secure, productive and happy childhood. Only parents can do that and only if they see the critical importance of their influence, example and dedication to the success of their family.
We must do anything and everything we can do to secure that for the children in our families and all around us. Our efforts may feel insignificant to us but could mean the whole world to a child.
|
|
From Rose Goodstone, Director
A Valentine to My Mom
When I think of my family, somehow I think everything that could happen has happened in my family.
My grandfather was born on the boat coming to Ellis Island from Germany in 1892. My grandparents had 13 children of which 7 lived to adulthood. My grandparents divorced, but my one uncle, who never married and had a learning disability,worked hard and took care of himself and my grandmother for many years.
My parents were divorced when I was very young and I never really saw my dad much. So it was my mom and me.
But I can say I had the best mom anyone could have. She worked two and three jobs to support me. She made all my clothes, or we purchased them at the Goodwill Store. Our family, it seemed, got together all the time. My uncles all played the accordion or harmonica or guitar, and we all danced and sang as a family.
My mom was always there for me in a kind and loving way. She rarely yelled at me but spoke with authority and understanding. That's why I raised our daughter in the same way. Our daughter has often told me, all I had to do was look at her in a certain way,and she knew I was mad, and she'd stop what she was doing. The "evil eye" I guess it must have been.
When my mom got much older, I was always there for her. We would bake together, go shopping together, play cards and games together. And then there were those times I had to help her shower and wash her hair and clean her apartment. I will always have those loving memories of us being together, just being together.
So when I hear of all the problems in the world, about people starving, about those on welfare, about those who are abused, about those who are drug abusers or alcoholics, I had it all in my family and we dealt with it. We didn't look to the government for every little hand out for the rest of our lives. And though there are always exceptions your life is what you make of it.
The strength of my mother and my family taught me to be strong and never give up, to look diversity right in the eye and tackle it the best of my ability, to not depend on everyone else, but to take responsibility for myself and make a happy life. I learned to be a good mother and grandmother, to teach lessons as they come up whenever I can.
Our families and those experiences shape our lives and help us to shape the lives around us. In the end, it is up to each of us to do our best in everything we do, and leave this world a better place. I thank God every day I had a family that taught me so much. Through the good and the bad, they were lessons that shaped my life.
So this Valentine's Day, I hope you will all forgive your family for some wrong doing and know that life is too short to hold grudges. Send out that "I LoveYou" and bring peace into each other's hearts or at least into your own heart knowing you tried. Every tiny gesture could help to heal an aching heart. We can't possible know all that people are experiencing at the moment. So let's be supportive and be the one to show and share the love God has given us.
|
|
The Legacy We Cannot Afford to Leave
By James Soviero
The family settled on January 31st, 1914 as Dad's date of birth. The lack of certainty stemmed from Grandma's best recollection of the blessed event simply being, "It was a very cold day." Salvatore (Sam) was the third of what would be seven children. His birthday has triggered an avalanche of spectacular memories that have, in turn, given final clarity to his son's urgent, recent need, to wade into the dark, swampy waters of political activism.
Like so many of "The Greatest Generation" Dad and Mom (Dorothy), two years his junior, had pretty tough lives. They were born during World War I, got married at the height of the Depression, were raising a family throughout World War II, watched the Korean War unfold, and lived with the never ending threat of a Cold War suddenly going nuclear.
Making a living was hard. Dad had a very successful career as a light heavyweight boxer, until Mom tore all the buttons off her coat during a fight. Salvatore's 44-2 record not withstanding, Dad was done earning money in the ring.
He took a job laboring on a construction site. It was within walking distance of their tiny apartment. One day Mom brought Dad lunch just in time to see him literally running wheel barrows full of incredibly heavy, sloppy, cement up an inclined plank. He'd dump it and return for more. Mom went home, and wept. When her husband returned that evening she insisted he find a trade.
Dad became a welder, and terrifically skilled craftsman. Sometimes the money wasn't enough. If he was working nights he'd go clamming during the day. When it appeared his daughter and son had a shot at an education beyond high school Sal would weld six, sometimes seven days a week.
Mom began taking jobs that mirrored her son's time in Jr. High. A few years later, he made the baseball team. This meant he needed the car to get home after practice so Dot took a job close to home. She would either walk to work or get a ride from her hubby.
Dot and Sam, like so many of their peers, perhaps more than anything, wanted their kids to have a better life than they did. If Mom and Dad weren't able to give it to them, they could at least offer an environment rich with wonderful opportunities.
Their never ending sacrifices made life a whole lot easier for those who followed. We've seen no world wars, Great Depressions, or unending threats of mutually assured nuclear destruction. We haven't known the fear of sending our kids off to school under the very real, doomsday threat, of a Cuban Missile Crisis.
But what about our sons and daughters? Have we left for them the kind of fertile environment for self improvement our folks left for us? It sure doesn't look that way. For the first time in this nation's history people feel the next generation will not do as well as they.
My mother and father were incredibly loving and strong. They were devoted to God, family and country. They, and their wonderful contemporaries, left America better than they found it. Now it's up to us to push back against the forces that would deny our kids the extraordinary legacy of this magnificent nation. The statists in our government are literally stealing the birthright of our children and grandchildren.
If you've grown weary, gather your strength. If you're dispirited take heart. We are the sons and daughters of the Greatest Generation and cannot leave our children less than was left to us. To hell with that.
Happy birthday, Dad. You would have been 98. Thanks for everything.
http://www.independentsentinel.com/2012/01/the-legacy-we-cannot-afford-to-leave/
|
|
What Is Truly Important Stays with Us Always
From The Duke
 How many of these names are in your mind, let alone in your heart?
1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America pageant.
4 Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners
How did you do?
The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday.
These are no second-rate achievers.
They are the best in their fi
elds.
But the applause dies..
Awards tarnish..
Achievements are forgotten.
Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.
Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:
1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through difficult times.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.
Easier? Of course those names are on the tip of our tongues and cherished in our hearts. The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money...or the most awards.
They are simply the ones who care the most. They are our parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, teachers, clergy and friends who made the time and sometimes made selfless and incredible efforts to help us.
How many people reading this would add your name to their list of people who cared for them and helped them the most?
We Seniors have had long lives and countless opportunities to be the force for good in so many lives. Our chances are not over and our influence is not gone if we but choose to use it.
|
Let's Join Glenn in Texas
Restoring Love to Communities Wanting a Hand Up, not a Hand Out
Glenn has announced a new event to take place on 7-28-2012 in Dallas, Texas. The event is a logical progression from "Restoring Honor" to "Restoring Courage" to now challenging us to join him and each other in "Restoring Love".
Follow Glenn's plans for the three day weekend here to see how we can each be involved:
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/restoring-love-beck-unveils-major-2012-event-at-cowboys-stadium-in-dallas/
Glenn has made it clear to his fans that he is all in for this event. He has contracted for the use of the Cowboys Stadium in Dallas and is trusting that since he has leased it, we will come. Each of Glenn's events has been enormously successful as will be "Restoring Love" in bringing us to stand together for the good of our families, neighbors and country.
By going to www.GlennBeck.com you can connect with Glenn and his information in two ways. Here you can sign up for Glenn's free newsletter. Also you can click on "Listen Now" and hear live streaming of Glenn's radio show available at anytime. The radio show airs live weekdays from 9am to noon.
A new offer from Glenn gives us a chance to watch Glenn's two hour show each weekday for 4.95 per month with GBTV Basic. For 9.95/month or 99.95/year you can see all of Glenn's new shows right on your computer as well as any past shows. All his shows are available on demand to fit your schedule. All the details about GBTV can be found at www.GBTV.com and the 14 day free trial is still being offered there.
|
|
Senior Pamphleteers
Many doctors are changing their services and practices.
Please remember to take your pamphlets to share with doctors and friends.
Please click on the red arrow here and print healthcare points to share with everyone who uses our healthcare system, the one people tavel from all over the world to use.
Since none of our elected congressmen read the healthcare bill before they voted to impose it on America, the consequences of that bill are beginning to rear their ugly heads. Today's unintended consequence is the increase in the cost of medical premiums.
Medical insurance premiums in the United States are on the rise, the chief architect of President Barack Obama's health care overhaul has told The Daily Caller.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology economist Jonathan Gruber, who also devised former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney's statewide health care reforms, is backtracking on an analysis he provided the White House in support of the 2010 Affordable Care Act, informing officials in three states that the price of insurance premiums will dramatically increase under the reforms.
http://dailycaller.com/2012/02/11/obamacare-architect-expect-steep-increase-in-health-care-premiums/#ixzz1m6avxxDk
Seniors who have budgeted all their lives know the reality that offering more benefits to more people will increase costs. We see the 575 billion that is to be cut from Medicare while the Baby Boomers come into the Medicare program at the rate of 10,000 each day. How are Americans supposed to trust politicians who passed the legislation they very well knew we opposed.
Most of the new healthcare law will be implemented after the next election when the taxes as well as the changes will be pervasive.
Anyone with doubts or objections to the new healthcare law had better make their voice heard right now.
Too soon there will be no turning back.
|
|
Senior Chat Topics
Freedom of Religion Under Attack
Green Energy
Medicare by Ryan and Wyden
Presidential Primaries
Are you full of information and opinions with no one to talk to most times except the dog? If so come to our chat and add your topic of interest!  If you have healthcare experiences or alerts to share, this is the place. Join us and add to the conversation. |
|
With so much work and worry this election year, the patriots around us are feeling the pressure and sometimes grow discouraged and tired. As one person is going through an especially difficult time I see another stepping up to take the lead. We've all observed the ebb and flow of life that sometimes we lead and other times we follow.
A Valentine of support and encouragement would be my wish for all my patriot friends. From those making phone calls, writing blogs and newsletters, to the hardy Americans standing at street corner rallies they are dedicated and devoted citizens of our great country.
Please know that your efforts and your accomplishments will be felt far beyond this time. The hours and hours of researching and listening, planning and working to preserve our liberty will bring the blessing of your grandchildren upon you. One day they will want to send you a Valentine of gratitude and love as they live, work and prosper in America's liberty.
May we respect, cherish and preserve these gifts for the next generation as we know freedom must be fought for in each American's own lifetime.
It is an honor to join with you in this endeavor.
Barbara Samuells
Co-Founder
912 SUPER SENIORS |
|
|
