We ALL have to bring about change

I've shared in past entries my feelings on politics.

I'm not a huge fan of the 'shenanigans' so often displayed by 'shady' politicians.

I am patriotic, sentimental, emotional. I love my country, the United States of America.

I would not want to live anywhere else in the entire land.

When it involves the purest of ideals and the premise of our forefathers, I am on board all the way with political ideology.

This weekend kicked off an extremely emotional time for me.

It began Sunday as I sat watching the special presented by HBO at the Lincoln Memorial.

Phenomenal. Perfect. Well, near perfection except for Jamie Foxx's over the top rant.

The producers' impeccable planning and well choreographed presentation deserves accolades and kudos.

Simple, to the point, swift moving, as it kept its captive audience informed and entertained every second of the ride.

Never a dry eye in the room during the 2 and 1/2 hour show.

For me, anytime music, history, entertainers and patriotism collide, mountains move.


Then, the moment we've all been waiting for --Inauguration Day. I could not get enough of the pre-festivities, ceremony, and post Inaugural Balls.

Ironically, Mom had a doctor's appointment. Though we wanted to cancel, it's so hard these days to get an appointment (one of the many problems with health care that, hopefully, President Obama will remedy) with a doctor so we kept it. We, too, choreographed our every movement in order to experience all of the festivities.

While we drove out to the doc, we listened to the radio. Once inside, Mom was vehement about being no nonsense and rushing the nurses along so we could get back to witness history.

Something this country MUST get back to is its patriotism. Once inside the medical building, you would not have guessed that history was being made. No TV's on the big event. Not even a radio tuned into the happenings. Whatever happened to the days of my youth when we, though at school, would stop class, gather around a television to watch a shuttle launch or a presidential happening, or even watch the opening game of the Cleveland Indians' baseball season??

Nothing.

President Obama can start the ball rolling, but each and every one of us has to board the train to bring about change.

We ALL must change our mindset. For those who have hate in their heart from past disappointments, they must let it go. For those who were persecuted because of their race, color, heritage, background, religious beliefs, convictions, they must rise above and turn the other cheek. For those who fought in foreign wars and still hold grudges against the enemy, they too, must forgive and join hands with their fellow man.

President Obama, the 44th President of the Free World, can only do so much with his staff. It's up to each and every one of us to help solve the problems facing society today.

It may be gradual, but no one should give up.

It's like I tell Mom--slow and steady wins the race, one step at a time. No one gets up out of a hospital bed and runs the Boston Marathon. If you want to run a marathon, you start out slowly. One mile.....then try for two miles....and so on and so on. One day, you will be strong enough to go the distance and even if you don't win, at least you ran and completed the race giving it your all!

I also believe the US is one huge puzzle. It is not complete without every single person contributing in some way to its peace, harmony, and success. If one piece of the puzzle is missing, there's chaos.

President Obama can get the US back on track, but he can't do it alone.

We do need a change, even though I believe President Bush tried his best and was doing, what he thought, was best for this country. Being President or the Leader of a country is probably one of the hardest tasks to undertake, only second to the Secret Service Men who guard the Commander.


I was glued to the tv all day. I had chills every step of the way. I held on to each spoken word, each dignitary shown, and the feeling of hope which suffocated everyone taking in this momentous event.

I don't understand WHY the same feeling people have on a day like today or around the holidays can not linger longer.

All sides, both parties were involved in a love fest. WHY can not they continue that correspondence and carrying on day in and day out. Along the way, people will disagree, but should be civil and discuss their disagreements.

Politicians should NEVER do something just because its what their 'party' would do. They should use their brains and sometimes their hearts and conscience when making decisions.

I know there are Americans who never heard a word Obama sounded or ever listened to his running mates, but rather voted FOR Barack Obama or AGAINST him solely because of the color of his skin.

That is totally irresponsible and must be stopped.


I hope that those who watched the events surrounding Inauguration Day gleaned much of what I did and came out with a feeling of hope, faith, belief in myself as well as my fellow countrymen, and the strength to press on, even through tough times.

We experienced history. I know we experienced history that has never been witnessed before. However, I still do not look at President Obama as an African American President. I see him as a man who I respect and my President. I listened to him today as my new leader who resurrected ideals from his predecessors that made this country so great years ago! We CAN be great again if we just believe and work together!

I wish others would be able to get past the whole 'color issue' on all fronts. Yes, it should be noted and recognized for what it is. Martin Luther King Jr, Rosa Parks, and so many others all stuck to their convictions and beliefs to bring equality for ALL OF US! But, when it all comes down to it, we are all human beings, living breathing human beings and race, nationality, what language we speak, how tall we are or fat we are or rich we are for that matter should not mean a thing. We need to look within at someone's heart and soul and mind.

I'm lucky. I do have a good life and usually look at the glass half if not totally full! But, I do understand that there are folks out there less fortunate. Don't give up. The one thing we can not do is ever give up.

EVERY child should be told they can be whomever and whatever they want to be. EVERY human being should be treated with the utmost respect and dignity ALWAYS!!!!!!!


I'm overjoyed and rejuvenated as a new day dawns, a new President leads, and a new hope sets on the horizon to bring America back to life and back to its glory days.

Never too old for love

Mom and I were honored to be invited to a good friend's 90th birthday party! Frank Oklessen turned 90 years old and looks like he is in his 60's! He said he hopes all of us can make it to his 100th birthday party and we gladly accepted!

I'm not sure how his sister-in-law did it, but Kay kept this baby a secret! About 100 of his family members and closest friends gathered for lunch. He had no idea. He walked in and got tears in his eyes. He was overwhelmed as he went from table to table.

There was a display area with pictures and a high tech slide show picture frame that kept scrolling through Frank's life from childhood to today!

It was a wonderful afternoon. A reminder on how important family and friends are, especially as we get older.

Frank lost his wife, Anne, 2 or 3 years ago. They were married a very long time. They were inseparable. The last function we saw them at was my niece's graduation party. Shortly thereafter Anne passed away, I believe.

The big news today was that 90-year-old Frank has a new girlfriend! He was pleased as punch that Kay flew her up for his party. She was down in Florida and was planning on coming into town...however, surprised him by coming in a little early!

It was such a re-assuring lesson which I witnessed first hand, that life goes on and can be joyous and beautiful even after we lose someone dear and near to us.

And it gave me hope that love can find us at any time, any place, and at any age!

Happy Birthday, Frank! We love you!

Everything happens for a reason

One of my favorite mantras-- 'everything happens for a reason.'

Sitting at Church this morning in the choir loft looking out over the congregation reminded me of how this saying rings true.

Many years ago while at a co-workers wedding in PA, I visited with his sister and her, at that time, boyfriend.

Fast forward MANY years. At least 9 years if not more. My family has become very good friends with my former co-worker's sister...she lives in my neighborhood and goes to my church if that does not blow my mind enough! However, she never married 'that' boyfriend. She wound up marrying a friend of ours!

It was so odd. One St. Patrick's Day many years ago while grabbing a traditional corn beef and cabbage lunch before work, I spotted Brian and Kim. I knew Brian and I knew Kim but did not know they were a couple.

Who knew? They wound up getting engaged...married...and having 3 wonderful kids. They are great people and I am so glad we have been able to have them in our lives.

I am always amazed at scenarios such as these. They prove not only is it a very small world....but that everything DOES happen for a reason. You wind up with whom you are supposed to wind up with....living where you are supposed to be living with all the acutriments.

It also gives me a slight glimmer of hope that one day, I too, shall find the man of my dreams and so much more. I have idly sat back and watched way too many co-workers or friends find the person of their dreams, get engaged, throw a shower for them, get married, throw another shower for them, have a bunch of kids, buy their second home and groom a wonderful family while I am still just, well, just...

My nickname is "a day late and a dollar short."

I'd love to sing the national anthem at an Indians' Game. Hasn't happened yet, but I am not giving up hope.

I'd love to lose all the weight I need to lose. Hasn't happened yet, but I am not giving up hope.

The list is not endless, just a handful of things, because I have a pretty amazing life.

I do believe that this "day late and a dollar short" girl will find her 'reason.'