DAILY GRATITUDE CHILDREN

 

I am grateful being a teacher, a father, a grandfather

and now a great-grandfather…

because children have a way…of making us feel whole

Proving, once again, the power children have 

to open our mind,

enhance our heart…

and completely soothe our soul.

OBSERVE OUR CHILDREN

 To all you with hatred in your hearts…

in a world where anger, prejudice and animosity seems to be the norm…

Please take a moment to observe our children…

and try to remember when you felt kindness in its purest form.

And if you do remember…if you find the kindness many in this world lack…

by remembering the children…and for our future children

please…try to bring this kindness back.

INNOCENCE ON OUR SHOULDERS

 

I am constantly in awe of how a child’s mind works…

with no pretense…no deception…

there is an openness…a candor…an innocence in their perception.

The other day in our town…as we waited for the Mardi Gras parade to commence 

I was once again reminded of childhood innocence.

As we waited…in the middle of a crowd…trying our best to see…

I noticed this little family…standing next to me.

“Daddy, put me on your shoulders.” Their little boy said expectantly…

When his father asked him why he answered,

“Because from down here my eyes are just too small to see.”

His dad complied and as he sat there with his hands on his dad’s ears…

with a smile on his face he said, Wow…my eyes are so much bigger from up here.

As I watched this little boy…excitedly waving as the parade came down the street

I secretly hoped his child mind would remain as innocent and as sweet.

When our eyes are small and innocent…from atop our parents’ shoulders

we travel through the world without much worry, trouble…or care

It is only when our eyes get bigger…we begin to see the dangers lurking there.

Once he no longer can rest atop his father’s shoulders

on whatever path in life he chooses.

I hope whatever happens along the way…

the innocence he possesses today…is something he never loses.

And as I watched the people all around me…everyone within my scope…

I was suddenly filled with wonder…and my heart was filled with hope.

Because in this diverse group of people smiling and waving at the parade

People young and old…big and small…

I saw not only the innocence in the children…

but the childhood innocence in us all.

FAMILY

  I am grateful when I look in the mirror

especially on the days I’m feeling a little sad…

for remembering on my shoulders

I carry the same hopes and prayers and dreams…

my long line of ancestors had.

OUR CHILDREN

 

May we be blessed to be guided by compassion and love

especially with how the events of today’s world are transpiring…

because our children are always watching…

and we never know who we might be harming…

and who you are inspiring.

LETTER TO A GREAT GRAND-DAUGHTER

 

Dear Violet,

Being a Great PopPop and Nana B

comes with a certain amount of responsibility…

We hope we gave our children and grandchildren good advice…

shared things we wanted them to know…

So as you, our great-granddaughter, begins her journey…

here’s some random things we’d like for you to know:

Watch ever person closely…

you’ll find their actions speak louder than their words.

Make friends with all the plants and animals…from the flowers to the birds…

As you travel though your life…wherever you choose to go

remember no-one is perfect…and it’s always better to take it slow.

You’ll find religion can be wonderful…and religion can be cruel.

That a smile can change a person’s day…try not to ridicule.

You’ll find joy is oftentimes waiting on the other side of fear

and a kind word has the power to wipe away a tear.

You’ll also find there is so much love in this world…so much laughter, joy and fun.

May you pray no innocent person ever dies from the bullet of a gun.

It is possible to love our soldiers…but hate everything to do with war.

Please listen more to nature…frequent a good bookstore.

Do your best in this precious life to make every moment last…

because dogs pass away too early and children grow up too fast.

Enjoy the beauty all around you…know it’s okay to cry.

Compassion and acceptance are powerful things…give them both a try.

Finally read the poetry of Emily Dickinson…who wrote this beautiful refrain: 

If I can stop one heart from breaking…I shall not live in vain.

Take these random words of advice…and try to live them every day…

add them to the wisdom you gain…as you try to find your way.

And when you need it…turn to the people who love you…

for their love will always be…

waiting to help and guide you…

Love,

Your Great- PopPop and Nana B.

DAILY GRATITUDE BOOKS

 

In this day and age of banning books

I’m grateful for all the books in the world…

every book from A to Z

and glad that there was one president

who totally agrees with me…

Lyndon Johnson understood the importance of books

and came to their defense…

When he said:

Books and ideas are the most effective weapons

against intolerance…and ignorance