It has been awhile since my last post, I wanted to give you an update. First of all, I want to thank all of you who have commented on my site, your comments are appreciated. It does give me a pulse of what my readers are looking for and if  I’m confident in the subject matter, want to address those for you. I was brought up by the advice of fairness and honesty and I will tell it to you the way I see it, agree or disagree that’s ok.

A topic that I am passionate about as we start the New Year 2010 off,  is I have a ministry that I visit seniors aged 53 through 102 and really enjoy my relationships with them. Over the 28 months I have did this ministry I have lost 22 valued and appreciated seniors that I will forever value their friendships and visits. That definitely is a negative of losing people you care about, but I know they’re all in God’s great hands now.

One such relationship that has been very special for my family, I wanted to share with you. This man is 93 years old and is truly a remarkable human being. Over the years we have developed a great friendship and bond that I will always cherish. John is the oldest known survivor of Iwo Gima. John is a retired Marine and still does 40 push-ups and deep knee bends and large arm circles before he retires for bed. I asked John what his secret for living was and he smiled and said “I had great parents who raised me right and I didn’t drink or chase wild women.”  God has brought a great person in my life and I really appreciate our friendship. I try to have dinner with John monthly, at his hand picked restaurant where he has developed friendships with area rural cafes etc. One comment the other night that especially made quite an impact on me and my college aged son was John said often people don’t want to spend time with older people and that is sad for me to hear.  Please, I ask of you, give that someone who is up in age the respect and love that they so deserve, that is the hope and wish I share with you for the New Year 2010. I did a children’s time as liturgist at our church recently, where I shared with them and the congregation to give their grandma and grandpa or our baby boomer parents a special huge and kiss and tell them how much you love them and how important and special they are.

I hope all of you enjoy the New Year 2010 and find joy and happiness in all you do. Remember Faith, Family and Friends and you are blessed by the Master. Cheers, Don